GOALKEEPER Vince Bartram's record of 103 consecutive Gillingham appearances is under threat for tonight's game against Grimsby at Priestfield.

Speculation persists that his mistake in handing Wolves the lead in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Molineux could force player-manager Andy Hessenthaler into making a change following a series of uncertain performances. The Gills boss publicly faulted Bartram for Saturday's first goal and is known to be concerned about other recent lapses.

Should he make a change, Hessenthaler will hand a league and club debut to his 19-year-old understudy, former Charlton goalkeeper Jason Brown who has waited patiently for his big chance.

Brown, who arrived at Priestfield last season, is ready to grasp the opportunity in the hope it could lead to international recognition. He qualifies for Wales through grandparents and knows that an extended run in the side may bring an Under-21 cap.

Gillingham, who last won at home in the league on December 29, will be without striker Iffy Onuora whose mother died on Friday night. Because she requested that her ashes to be scattered in her native Nigeria, Onuora could be missing for up to two weeks.

Midfielder Simon Osborn is also out tonight after a persistent Achilles problem forced him off after 78 minutes on Saturday. "He's been playing with an Achilles injury and needs a rest," said Hessenthaler. He's been fantastic for us but a break of a couple of games will do him good."

Centre-back Barry Ashby could also be out after missing training yesterday through sickness. Guy Butters stands by to replace him.

Hessenthaler, who announced that Ashby and Chris Hope would miss the home game against Nottingham Forest after the pair were cautioned on Saturday, has received the good news that he was mistaken.

Because the season ends earlier than usual, the Football Association have decreed that all players cautioned after February 28 will be warned as to their future conduct.

The news keeps Hope on course for 100 consecutive Gillingham appearances. The Gills boss described tonight's game with relegation-haunted Grimsby as massive. "It's one we are expected to win and one that our supporters will expect us to win," he added.