GILLINGHAM'S fabled powers of recovery undergo rigorous scrutiny tonight from a resurgent Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (Kick-off 8pm). Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler sends out an unchanged side with the challenge to prove that Saturday's first home defeat for three months was a mere blip.

The team made a positive response to the 4-1 drubbing by Manchester City at Maine Road in November by embarking on an eight-match unbeaten run. And when they suffered another 4-1 loss at Barnsley in December they hit back immediately to beat Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion and Wolves.

Hessenthaler expects nothing less in tonight's derby and said: "It's important we put things into perspective and remember we've lost just three games in the last 16.

That's why I don't see a need to make changes because the players have been doing well.

"We can take a lot from our recent form which should not be forgotten. It won't be easy away to Palace because they're a good home side and they'll be keen to follow up Sunday's win at Stockport in front of their own supporters."

Centre-back Barry Ashby believes the Gillingham players will respond positively to the prospect of two big games in four days tonight and on Saturday at Preston.

In both matches he believes the revenge motive will fire up the opposition. "We beat Palace 3-0 at Priestfield in November and I know it hurt them so they'll be all fired up tonight," said Ashby. "It will be the same on Saturday at Preston after we beat them 5-0 on the opening day.

"So they'll be two tough fixtures but there're nothing like these sort of games to pick the boys up after Saturday's defeat which was very frustrating."

"We were all down but we've had some decent away results, especially the one at Wolves, and that's worth remembering."

Gillingham have sold their allocation of 1,500 tickets for tonight's match but supporters will be able to pay on the gate. Admission is priced at £18 adults and £10 children.

Supporters who purchased tickets for the match, postponed on New Year's Day, are reminded they are valid tonight.