ANDY HESSENTHALER is ready to enrich his already impressive managerial credentials on Saturday by leading Gillingham to survival for a third season in the Nationwide League, Division 1.

Three points against Bradford City would produce another sublime moment for the Gills boss who has had little money to invest in the team yet kept them within striking distance of the big-spenders to endorse his burgeoning reputation.

As the club prepared to break the tape and reach 50 points, prescribed by Hessenthaler as essential for survival against City at Priestfield, he paid tribute to the players, who against all odds, have kept the club afloat in Division 1.

Written off as one-season wonders after their first promotion in 1999-2000, Gillingham confounded critics by finishing 13th last season which they are now looking to better. They go into Saturday's game in 11th place, nine points adrift of the nearest play-off place.

Hessenthaler said: "We're taking nothing for granted because Bradford will not make it easy. When we get 50 points on the board, it will be down to a team effort.

"Everybody, and I mean everybody, has pulled together. The spirit has been tremendous and when we've suffered a setback we've come back strongly.

Hessenthaler expects to name an unchanged side with Iffy Onuora expected to lead the attack despite his mother's serious illness. Midfielder Ty Gooden keeps his place in midfield, getting the nod ahead of Marcus Browning who was relegated to the bench against Arsenal.

City, who were Premier League members this time last season, will be desperate to take something from the game in order to arrest a slide that has taken them perilously close to relegation waters.