GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has admitted for the first time that 50 points may not be enough to ensure the club’s survival in the Nationwide League, Division 1, for another season (Tony Hudd writes)..

The shine on Saturday’s heroic point earned by an under-strength side in the goalless draw at Preston was soon tarnished by the news that relegation rivals Derby, Walsall and Nottingham Forest had all won.

Gillingham occupy 19th position, three points clear of the drop zone going into tomorrow night's match away to leaders Norwich.

Fifty points is the sanctuary all managers have long sought in the pursuit of survival.

But after surveying Saturday's results, the Gills boss wrote out his prescription for survival

“I’m looking to win three of our six remaining home games which will give us nine points and put us on 50," he said. “We might win four from the six, who knows ? But we must win three of the six at home.

“We must also pick up some points on our travels. But the way things are going it may take more than 50.

“We’re not out of the woods yet but if we continue picking up points away from home and winning our home games we’ll be fine.”

The Gills boss was fulsome in praising his patched-up side who stopped Preston’s march towards the play-offs with a performance driven by resolute determination.

“We’ve got a point and a clean-sheet as well so I couldn’t be more pleased,” he said. “In the circumstances I feel very proud of the players. As for the younger ones, they are proving to me that they are Division 1 players because they can handle the situation we find ourselves in.

“It’s not been ideal because we’ve brought them into a relegation scrap. But they are showing they can cope. “I didn’t want to single any players out for praise because it took a team effort but 17-year-old Matt Jarvis, who is second year scholar and not yet a professional was terrific.”

Hessenthaler disclosed that he had been unsure whether defender Richard Rose had a future at the club.

What convinced him were his performances since answering the club’s emergency and which will culminate in him signing a two-year deal today.

Hessenthaler also revealed how he had spoken on Friday to skipper Paul Smith and Barry Ashby, two of the few remaining experienced players available to him, about the need to pull the youngsters through. They did as I asked and were outstanding examples.”