Andy Hessenthaler hopes his side keep the pressure on Pic: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler believes his side have what it takes to start reeling in the League 2 leaders.

The Gillingham manager remains confident his side, boosted by an impressive run of form, can still make a claim at the top of the table.

Eighth-placed Gills go into their home game with Bradford on Saturday with back-to-back league wins behind them and on a four-game unbeaten run.

Southend sit 11 points above the Gills at the top of League 2 and Crawley are two points worse off. Hessenthaler has both in his sights.

He said: "There is still a long way to go and we can catch them.

"Neither team has had a blip really and they are catchable. They know that."

Hessenthaler is hoping his team can now put together a consistent run. They have yet to win three consecutive league games and Saturday represents a great chance.

He added: "We need to be doing that if we want to be where we want, come the end of the season.

"You need a run of games and wins and we haven’t had that yet. If we can produce that over the next few weeks, then we can put ourselves right in the mix come the turn of the year."

Gillingham will be boosted by the return of loan strikers Jo Kuffour and Frank Nouble, both of whom were ineligible for the midweek FA Cup replay win over Bournemouth.

Midfielder Danny Jackman was rated "50-50" in the week as he looks to recover from a groin injury while Chris Whelpdale could be struggling for fitness after lasting just 45 minutes on Tuesday because of a chest infection. Defender Matt Lawrence returns to the squad after being rested for the cup game and it will mean Hessenthaler faces a selection dilemma.

Hessenthaler added: "The boys who slotted in did themselves proud on Tuesday and it makes my job difficult this weekend."

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