ANDY HESSENTHALER called on all Gillingham supporters to unite in one voice behind the team for tonight's duel with Bristol Rovers for the right to meet FA Cup favourites Arsenal in the fifth round.

With many players still smarting from the abuse hurled from a minority on their last appearance at Priestfield a week ago against Stockport, the Gills boss is keen to cut out divisions among the fans in tonight's crowd.

Today, for the first time, he spoke of the arrogance among that minority who, he believes, demand a win at every home game.

"After Saturday's terrific win at Coventry we should go into tonight's game full of confidence," he said. "Let's hope we do and the crowd get behind us and appreciate what we did at Coventry. If we stick together, we'll get through to the next round."

But he added pointedly: "The arrogance of some sections of our support demanded that we beat Sheffield United and Stockport. I believe these people only started supporting the club a couple of seasons ago and have been spoilt by success.

"What happened at the end of the Stockport game affected some of the younger players and that's why I Ieft Nyron out at Coventry. For what this team has achieved, I don't think the players deserved that.

"The fans can aim what they like at me because the buck stops with me. But in answer to our critics I would remind them that we're 11th in Division 1 and having a pretty good season.

"I would stress that I'm not having a pop at all our supporters. The fans we took with us to Coventry were our real supporters. They were magnificent and I can't praise them enough because they really helped the boys. I hope those supporters will be at Priestfield tonight because we'll need each and every one of them."

Hessenthaler looks certain to make at least one change to the side that beat Coventry for tonight's tie with Simon Osborn returning to the midfield, probably at the expense of Ty Gooden.

Osborn stayed on the bench at Highfield Road with a sore Achilles. But Mark Patterson, outstanding on Saturday, looks likely to keep his place at right-back at the expense of Nosworthy.

Top scorer Marlon King, who had to be helped off with cramp on Saturday, is fit to resume.

Should a replay be necessary, it will be at the Memorial Ground on Monday, February 11. Should Gillingham qualify to meet Arsenal, they will not be facing Dennis Bergkamp at Highbury. The Holland international yesterday lost his appeal against a three-match ban following his dismissal against Liverpool.