PRESSURE has become a byword for Gillingham where Stoke are concerned and this Saturday’s game is no different for player-manager Andy Hessenthaler.

He said: “Without a doubt we go to the Britannia Stadium under much less pressure than we did on the final game of last season.

But the pressure is still there. We have created our own by winning the last two games and wanting to make it three in a row.

“They are also the home side and will be expected to win but we are confident we can make it difficult for them.”

With Iwan Roberts and Darren Byfield currently the division’s most lethal strikeforce with two goals apiece, Hessenthaler believes one of last season’s problems has been solved.

“When Preston came back and made it 1-1 last weekend, I think last season we would have let that game slip and lost,” he added.

“But we are now playing more as a team, rather than individuals, and we now know our strikers are capable of sticking chances away. All we have to do is keep it tight defensively.

“We’re not getting too carried away though. The pair know it’s about the whole season and not just the first three games but they are looking quite a force.”

The only change to the team that beat Preston 2-1 is Richard Rose coming in to replace broken leg victim Mark Saunders at right back.

Hessenthaler said: “Richard came on and did great. The fact he can play on both sides is also handy. It reminds me of when Danny Spiller got his chance and made it impossible for me to leave him out.”

The Gills boss, who turned 39 on Tuesday, visited Saunders in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital last Sunday.

He said: “Mark is in good spirits and looking forward to going home soon.

“He’s received quite a few e-mails from Gillingham and Preston fans wishing him well and that’s cheered him up a great deal.

“There is a long road to recovery ahead of him but knowing Mark's character and determination, I’m sure he will cope well.”

Hessenthaler told KM-fm his thoughts on the visit to Stoke...