MANAGER Andy Hessenthaler has dropped his guard for the first time over Gillingham's play-off prospects and urged his players to go for it. For the first time in a season when the Gills boss has resolutely refused to look beyond safety first in the Nationwide League, Division 1, he took a peep at the play-offs.

Victory on Saturday against Wimbledon at Priestfield will leave Gillingham a single point adrift of the 50 prescribed by Hessenthaler as essential to safeguard the club's hard-earned Division 1 status for a third season.

He said: "Safety first was my aim from the start and I want us to improve on last season's 13th place because it's important that we continue to improve as a club.

"With the possible exception of Manchester City, everybody is beating each other and now I can't rule out a play-off place because confidence in the camp is so high. There are 14 games to go so who knows what could happen. If we continue to climb the table then we'll go for it."

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler has not ruled out making a signing before next month's transfer deadline to boost his squad. Northern sources have linked Gillingham with Wigan's Wales international striker Simon Haworth who out of contract at the end of the season.

Chairman Paul Scally is believed to have spoken to Wigan opposite number Dave Whelan over a possible deal but nothing has developed.