Preview: Gillingham play Crystal Palace under-21s in Bristol Street Motors group stage match at Priestfield

Gillingham’s desire to progress past the group stage in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy could hinge on tonight’s clash at Priestfield.

Crystal Palace bring their under-21 team to Priestfield for the second of three games in Southern Section Group D, where two from four teams progress to the knockout stage.

The opening games of the group saw Palace youngsters beaten 1-0 at Stevenage and the Gills lose 2-1 at home to Peterborough United. It’s left both teams needing to at least avoid defeat tonight (Tuesday).

“We'll put merit on that competition,” said Gills assistant Anthony Hayes, when looking ahead to the midweek clash.

“We'll obviously assess the bodies (after a win at Notts County) and we had a few walking wounded.

“We used all five subs and it goes back to the squad. It's going to take everyone, game by game, over the course of the season.

“We'll have a plan going into Tuesday as well as one eye going into the game (on Saturday) against Barrow.”

Peterborough are home to Stevenage on October 8. The group stage will be finalised in mid-November when the Gills play away at Stevenage on the 12th, a week after Peterborough host Darren Powell’s Palace under-21s at London Road.

Gills boss Bonner is keen to progress in the EFL Trophy – a competition that not everybody enjoys and still attracts low crowds - but with so many players absent, no risks will be taken.

Bonner said: “We want to get through in this Bristol Street Motors so losing the first game makes it tough but a win in the next game gives you a real chance going into the third one.

“I want it to be in the balance going into the third game.”

Palace lost all three of their games in the competition last season.

The Gills can pick up worthwhile prize money in the