GILLINGHAM return to the serious business of winning league matches against Preston on Saturday at the start of a month described as crucial to the club’s play-off ambition by player-manager Andy Hessenthaler.

No matter what lies ahead and possible glory on Tuesday in the club’s FA Cup, fourth round, replay at Leeds, the players know they have every chance of making an impact on the Nationwide League, Division 1 play-off places with a win at Deepdale.

Gillingham are four points off the play-off zone with two games in hand over many of the teams above them. During February they play those games in hand against Wimbledon and Norwich.

Hessenthaler stressed: “I consider February to be a massive, massive month in our ambition to reach the play-offs. We play six league games and the outcome of those matches will tell us a great deal about ourselves and whether we are equipped to challenge for the play-offs."

Hessenthaler is certain to name the side that started against Leeds on Saturday with Guy Ipoua retaining his place in attack alongside Mamady Sidibe despite fierce pressure from Rod Wallace.

Roland Edge keeps his place at left-back despite the return to fitness of Nyron Nosworthy who will be among the substitutes.