GILLINGHAM could be without player-manager Andy Hessenthaler and striker Iffy Onuora for Saturday's home clash against Norwich. Onuora was carried off in the 12th minute of last night's Worthington Cup defeat against Southampton following a challenge from Kevin Davies and needed seven stitches in a leg injury.

Hessenthaler fell heavily on his right shoulder, damaging ligaments, and left Priestfield with his arm in a sling. He is a major doubt for Saturday.

Onuora's injury could pave the way for a return by 'new boy' Robert Taylor who was paraded in front of the crowd before last night's game.

To add insult to his injury, Hessenthaler was angry at the penalty that handed the visitors an eighth minute lead.

He said: "It doesn't help when you go 1-0 down to an early disputed penalty and from then we were chasing the game. That's why we gave away a second goal. We had 60 - 70 per cent of the ball and I'm disappointed because I felt we could have got something, but you cannot fault the players' efforts.

"We had enough of the ball and if the end product had been there we might have got something from this game. We just need to work on our final ball because we kept giving it away."

Marcus browning, who replaced Hessenthaler, was philosophical about the penalty decision.

He said: "It was a bit of a dodgy penalty. The linesman's given it and the referee hasn't, so were down to an early goal again and chasing the game. Hopefully these decisions will even themselves out over the season."

Saints boss Stuart Gray Said: "It was not a good performance but it was a professional one, and I'm pleased to get through because this is a difficult place to come."