By Matthew Panting

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has urged his players to turn Priestfield into a fortress.

The Gills have taken just one point from two home games in League 2 this season and welcome early leaders Shrewsbury on Saturday.

But Hessenthaler, pictured, wants his players to make it as difficult as possible for teams visiting Kent.

"We’ve got to make sure that we play at a high tempo because that is what this place demands," said Hessenthaler.

"When I played here we made it a fortress, no-one wanted to come here and play and that’s what we need to get back."

Shrewsbury may be top of the table after four wins and a draw in their opening five games but Hessenthaler believes that his Gills team have nothing to fear.

"At this stage of the season I don’t think it matters whether you are top or bottom," he stressed.

"It’s 11 versus 11 come Saturday. They are the best team over five games as they are top of the table.

"The league table doesn’t lie but there’s nothing won or lost after five games. After 46 games we need to be in that top three."

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