IF THE true test of a team's character is how it reacts to a heavy defeat, then Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler can expect a positive response from his players to their Manchester City spanking t Crewe. The club's renowned resilience comes under intense scrutiny with the Gills boss demanding a solid team performance to purge memories of Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Maine Road.

He has threatened to be ruthless in a shake-up against their bogey side. First head to roll was his own. "I shouldn't have played against Manchester City because I wasn't ready," said Hessenthaler who is still not fully match fit. As to who joins him on the sidelines depends on the outcome of a tactical summit involving the manager, his assistant Richard Hill and coach Wayne Jones.

But there is a strong likelihood the traditional 3-5-2 formation will be scrapped. "There is a chance that we could go with three up front against Crewe, nothing is being ruled out," Hessenthaler stressed. "We're considering changing the system because we've got into this habit of playing too deep and against City we didn't defend as a team.

"What we need more than anything at Crewe is a team performance so we can start turning the corner. The last thing this club wants is to become involved in a dog-fight near the foot of Division 1. "If we're to climb the table, we must become more consistent."

Supporters are reminded that the match is not all-ticket and admission will be pay-on-the-day.