Alain Perrin was jeered by Portsmouth fans following their shock collapse against League One strugglers Gillingham at Priestfield.

The Gills reached the third round after an extra-time strike from Andrew Crofts, with the hosts also scoring through Darren Byfield and a Jamie Ashdown own goal.

Pompey had led twice after Gary O'Neil had opened the scoring and Matthew Taylor netted from the penalty spot.

Perrin, pictured, said: "I'm not surprised by their reaction.

"It is a bad result for Portsmouth.

"We started well, led twice but then let in some bad goals and didn't seem to fight anymore.

"I haven't spoken with the players yet. I will do that later when they have got this game out of their systems.

"There are not even any excuses.

"You have to fight before you can seek to play in games like this.

"The fans' reaction was normal. They expect us to win games like these. We should have done."

Unlike Saints boss Harry Redknapp last night, Perrin, who saw his team beat Everton and draw with Birmingham in their last two league games, left out only his top two stars Laurent Robert and Lomana LuaLua for the clash against the side fifth from bottom of League Two.

Svetoslav Todorov, playing only his third match since May 2003, also missed a penalty, when the score was 2-2, while Ashdown appeared at fault for the hosts' first two goals.

Perrin, however, refused to blame Ashdown and said: "He was unlucky. He made some great saves as well.

"We have to recover from this now and face a tough game at Bolton on Saturday."

Gillingham manager Neale Cooper was delighted with his team's superb fightback and said: "It's a massive result especially considering Portsmouth's recent results.

"'I was very impressed by their start. They were so quick and we had to show a lot of character to come back. But we finished the stronger team and I'm delighted with it.

"It is a long walk back to the dressing rooms when you have been struggling but I'm just so pleased to get this win on the board."