Andy Hessenthaler will be demanding his side hit the ground running when they face Hereford United at Priestfield on Saturday.

The Gillingham manager (pictured) has been frustrated by his team’s woeful start to matches in recent weeks and insists they must improve.

"We weren’t good enough in the first half again on Sunday (against Cheltenham), especially the first half an hour, and that’s a bit of a concern," said Hessenthaler.

"In the last few weeks we haven’t started games well.

"We need to start games better and I will be calling for that this weekend against Hereford.

"The gap between ourselves and third is only three points and second is four points. It’s nothing really and we are still eyeing that automatic promotion spot like all of the other teams in there.

"We have to make sure we are ready and we keep performing the way we have done over the last 23 games, where we have lost just twice."

The Gills have just four home games left this season and Hessenthaler knows that wins are a must if they want a top three place.

"We have to win all four," said the Gills manager. "It’s pretty much like a game of chess at the moment and it’s not easy to work out what is going to happen.

"Hereford have done well on their travels and this weekend is going to be tough."

Hessenthaler made one change to his starting line-up last weekend replacing John Nutter with Joe Martin at left-back, and he could be forced into changing the team once more for the visit of the Bulls.

Jack Payne is doubtful with ankle problems as well as a jarring of the knee.

Dennis Oli, who has recently returned from a hamstring problem, was replaced at half-time in the reserve fixture on Tuesday with a knee injury.

Danny Jackman was back training with the first team and Tony Sinclair is expected to be another week away from being available for selection.

Chris Palmer, meanwhile, is stepping up his fitness, and is due back in full training within a fortnight,

Youth keeper Darren Hawkes has been on standby this week as regular back-up keeper Lance Cronin has been ill with a virus.

How do you think Gills will fare against Hereford? Have your say below.