By Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler says his Gillingham team have to maintain the pressure if they want to succeed this season.

A disappointing start to the campaign means that even now, with just two defeats from their last 21 games, Gillingham still need many more points to guarantee being in the promotion mix by May.

The Gills boss, pictured, has guided the team to 11 matches without defeat and they are currently sixth in League 2, four points from the top three after Saturday's 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley.

"It’s that time of year now, the business end, and we have to keep performing," said Hessenthaler (pictured).

"We didn’t perform at the start of the season but we are performing now which is the crucial time. If we can go another nine games unbeaten we’ll be in there."

It has been a stunning turnaround for the Gills. Four months ago they were sitting just outside of the League 2 relegation zone.

"We had to dig deep and things weren’t good," Hessenthaler said. "We have pulled together and worked hard on the training ground.

"That’s the reason we have achieved what we have so far. We haven’t achieved more than that though, and we want to get promoted."

What has been the secret to Gillingham's good form? Can they maintain it until May? Have your say in our comments section below.