GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler believes his side have to win two of their remaining four games to ensure Division 1 survival.

Hessenthaler said 50 points - traditionally seen as the safety mark - would not be enough to beat the drop this season.

Gillingham will be looking to pick up the first of those wins in their penultimate home game against Ipswich on Saturday but Hessenthaler is under no illusions about the difficulty of his team's task.

He said: “We probably need two more wins and Saturday’s game against Ipswich is the toughest of the four games we have left.

“I think 53 points will keep us in the division. There are a lot of teams in the battle and I think it may come down to who can handle the pressure best.

“There’s been a few nerves in the camp which is only natural but the team played with no fear against Walsall and need to show the same attitude against Ipswich.”

After the Ipswich match, Gillingham have a trip to Wimbledon, a home match against Coventry and a final day visit to Stoke.

That could leave Gillingham needing a result against old manager Tony Pulis and former players Ade Akinbiyi and Carl Asaba at the Britannia Stadium on May 9.

But Hessenthaler isn’t looking that far ahead, emphasising Gills’ Division 1 status is in their own hands.

He said: “We don’t need to worry about other teams and other results because if we win all our games we are safe because Derby are a point below us.

“Whatever happens, it’s going to be interesting and we have to hold our nerve.”

Gillingham’s team has a more experienced look about it than in recent weeks. John Hills came through more than hour of the Walsall game after returning from injury and should be fit to start against Ipswich.

Hessenthaler - who rested himself at West Brom last Saturday - could also start while fit-again Ian Cox and Paul Smith both came through the Walsall game unscathed.

Keeper Jason Brown played a full game for the reserves on Wednesday and will be on the bench again as cover for Steve Banks.

Mamady Sidibe and Patrick Agyemang look set to continue up front, though Hessenthaler said he will not be scared to use Matt Jarvis after his impressive display as a substitute against Walsall.