AFTER watching his team complete a hat-trick of wins over Millwall player manager Andy Hessenthaler praised his players for securing their Nationwide League, Division 1 future with five games remaining.

A second half strike from Marlon King at Priestfield yesterday afternoon was enough to take the Gills' points tally to 57 and allow the fans to wallow in the type of glory that only comes when you've beaten your biggest rivals three times in one season.

Hessenthaler said: "It was a big game for the supporters. Obviously this is a special one because it's Millwall. It's a local derby and fortunately we have had the better of them this season.

"We are almost mathematically safe now, which is a terrific achievement. There are five games to go and we are 15 points from third from bottom with a much better goal difference.

"We already have more points than last season and my aim now is to finish in the top 10. The way things are going we have a good chance of doing that."

The only criticism from Hessenthaler after the final whistle was the lacklustre first half performance.

He said: "I think there wasn't enough tempo in our play. We sat in there and waited to see how the game would pan out. I thought our end product in the first half was quite poor.

"I told the players to be a little more forceful with the football in the second half and eventually the goal would come.

"You will have to ask Ty Gooden if it was a shot or a cross but whatever it was it doesn't matter because it was a fantastic ball and Marlon King got himself in a great position for a good finish."

With fixtures coming up against Walsall, Crewe, Burnley and Manchester City the Gills have an exciting end of season run in with a say in both the relegation and promotion battles.

Despite having reached their initial target of league survival Hessenthaler is adamant that his side will not be resting on their laurels.

"We want to win every game, " he said. "There is no doubt about it that home and away we will be going out there to win every game. We will be going out to do it again this weekend against Walsall who are down there fighting for their lives."

Millwall manager Mark McGhee confirmed he would be moving into the transfer market before next week's deadline to bring in a forward and midfielder.

In contrast Hessenthaler said: "We'd love to bring a few new faces in, but it's very difficult for us to compete with the wages on offer at other clubs plus we know we are safe and aren't going to make the play-offs.

"There will be a lot of players available at the end of the season and hopefully we can do something then."