Andy Hessenthaler insists Gillingham’s relegation fears are far from over.

Back-to-back wins have lifted the Gills out of the relegation zone and up to 16th in League 1 – their highest place since September.

But Hessenthaler – part of the four-man caretaker management team since Peter Taylor’s sacking – knows a lot more work has to be done.

And a win on Sunday at Walsall (6pm kick-off) will go a long way towards seeing the back of their relegation worries.

He said: “It is still on and we are still in a fight. We have played an extra game to other teams.

“We have got to start looking up rather than down but we need to be cautious. We have had two nice wins but things can change and we know how quick.

“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has been a distraction because we have a bit of momentum in the league and have it going a little bit.

“Walsall, for me, was more exciting (than the JPT area final at Bristol City) because of that momentum.

“We just have to go into every game with the same work ethic and desire to be better than the opposition. If we keep doing that and getting the best out of each individual, then we will be fine."