Birmingham 2 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler left Birmingham last night refusing to comment on the extent of the injury that threatens the career of defender Adrian Pennock. The centre-back, whose eight knee operations have saved a career once written off by former club Bournemouth, was in tears as he hobbled out of St Andrews on crutches, fearing the worst after sustaining suspected ruptured cruciate ligament damage in his left knee.

Instead of joining the rest of the squad on the team coach, he was driven to his Medway home by club coach Wayne Jones who was taking him to hospital for an x-ray today.

"The early signs are not good but I would not want to speculate until we learn the result of the x-ray," said Hessenthaler. "Everyone at the club is keeping their fingers crossed that the injury is not serious. Ade's loss would come as a huge blow to us. Apart from the fact that he's playing so well, he's great to have around the club because he's such a character."

Fellow centre-back and close friend Guy Butters summed up the mood in the dressing room when he said: "All the lads are hoping that he can come through this injury like he has all the rest.

"He was absolutely superb out there tonight and we all feel for him."

Despite suffering a fifth straight defeat at Birmingham, Hessenthaler is convinced the side can take heart from the 2-1 reverse as they prepare for Saturday's crunch home game against companions in distress Walsall who beat Rotherham last night.

"Though we lost, there were a lot of positives to come out of the performance which augers well for the Walsall game," he said. "We made four changes to the side beaten by Wimbledon and I believe it had the desired effect. I was especially pleased with the form of Simon Osborn who brought fresh quality to the midfield."

"Unfortunately we got punished for two lapses in concentration at the back which is what happens when you're in our position. Having said that I'm convinced their second goal was offside which I think the video will prove."