Robbie McKenzie’s midweek performance stood out for Gillingham boss Steve Evans.

The former Hull City player has barely featured for the Gills since making his summer switch to Priestfield.

McKenzie played midfield for the Gills at Ipswich before switching to right-back late in the game following Ryan Jackson’s withdrawal through injury.

“I thought our best player was Robbie McKenzie,” Evans said, as he reflected on the 1-0 defeat .

“In central midfield he bossed it and you could see the legs he had, he has kept himself fit. He has been doing box to box.”

It was only a second league start for the 22-year-old, his only other appearance in League 1 coming as a substitute.

Switching to right-back unsettled the Gills, Evans admitted. “It was our only option,” he said. “That probably cost us on the end. We seemed to lose that midfield two but saying that, five minutes into added time they were screaming for time weren’t they?”

Gillingham almost snatched a late equaliser when Vadaine Oliver powered a header against the Town upright.

It had been a tough night for the Gills on the injury front, losing keeper Jack Bonham to injury, but it meant a first league appearance for 18-year-old Joe Walsh.

The teenager had a nervy start, picking up a backpass with his first touch, but got over that and looked assured once he had settled into the game.

“I think he thought he was on the training ground, picking it up!” joked Evans.

“The three or four saves he had to make, he made, but he had no chance with the goal. He is an outstanding young goalkeeper who will play at a good level.”

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