GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler is optimistic that the club can win their next two games to ensure their Division 1 survival (Joanna Hernon writes).

Despite Derby’s 5-1 home win over Preston and seeing his side drop into the bottom three for the first time this season, the player-manager spoke of his belief that the club can avoid needing something from a potentially nerve-wracking final day trip to Stoke on May 9.

He said: “It would be very tough to go to Stoke needing points, playing against a former manager and former players who would do us no favours, not that we expect them to.

“But I think we can win away at Wimbledon, although it will be tough as they are already relegated so are playing with no fear, and beat Coventry at Priestfield in our final home game.

“I think two wins from our last three games will be enough. We want to be able to go to Stoke and get the cigars out, knowing we are safe in this division.”

Hessenthaler blamed poor defending for Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Ipswich, adding: “We didn’t defend properly in the second half and that has been our problem all season, giving sloppy goals away.

Talking of Ipswich’s winner, he said: “We have enough big lads in there to defend crosses like that and the players involved are disappointed because that’s what they're there for.

“But we must stay positive. We played very well in the first half, the effort was probably the best of the season against a very good side, but we ran out of steam second half.

“Once we went 2-1 down the confidence drained out of the side, the crowd got edgy, and it’s difficult to come back after that."