GILLINGHAM boss Stan Ternent remains positive about the task ahead as his side prepare to do battle with two teams in the top four of the Coca-Cola Championship.

On New Year’s Day, Gills face Steve Coppell's Reading at Priestfield. Then on Bank Holiday Monday, the team make the long trip to second-place Sunderland who have won three of their last four games.

Coppell is expecting a tough challenge on Saturday. He said: "Stan is a hard-nosed Geordie and I know that his team will reflect that personality.

"He’s not been there for long but if their win against Coventry on Tuesday is anything to go by, he has already begun to have an effect."

After the Coventry game Ternent said: "We played extremely well. The players gave me everything that they had and I cannot ask for more than that. We are delighted to win against a good side and hopefully now it’s onwards and upwards.

"We need another nine wins and it’s going to be tough. The level of performance, commitment, shape and balance of the team, a siege mentality and the backing of the fans is all vitally important."