MIDFIELDER AIMS TO END FIRST ROUND JINX

Jake Hessenthaler and the Gills are determined to find some happiness in the FA Cup this weekend.

It’s been a torrid few years for Gillingham in the national competition, exiting at the first round stage in the last four years, twice to non-league Brackley Town.

Another non-league team make the trip to Priestfield this Saturday, in National League Leyton Orient, but they’re facing a Gills side in buoyant mood.

Gillingham beat League 1 big-boys Rotherham 3-1 away last weekend and Hessenthaler is one of those loving life under caretaker boss Steve Lovell.

Hessenthaler said: “It is the most I have enjoyed my football for a long, long time.

“It has been a roller-coaster season but for me personally and the team hopefully we have started to turn that corner.

“I have the bit between my teeth and I am starting to express myself. I have to give credit to Steve, because he has given us the licence to express ourselves and enjoy it

“All the boys were buzzing off the Rotherham performance and to get the win was amazing

“Maybe we don’t want a break in the league but more highlights in the FA Cup.”

Orient are sitting in the lower reaches of the National League but the Gills are sure to be wary, having come unstuck a year ago against Brackley.

Gillingham will be favourites to claim a spot in round two.

Hessenthaler said: “Rotherham was a tough game but we had nothing to lose, nobody expected anything from us. They will be the same this weekend.

“Orient are a big club and I know they are not doing great in the league at the moment but they are two leagues below us and have nothing to lose. The tables have turned a bit and we have to go and perform like we did on Saturday.”

Hessenthaler couldn’t get in the team under former boss Ady Pennock but is now a regular starter and made it 150 Gills appearances a fortnight ago.

“It was great to hit that mark,” he said.