GILLS boss Stan Ternent has warned Ipswich that time is running out for them in the quest for automatic promotion, writes Derek Davis.A close pal of all the three managers competing for the top two places, Ternent was reluctant to stick his neck out and say which pair would go up without the need for a play-off trial.

GILLS boss Stan Ternent has warned Ipswich that time is running out for them in the quest for automatic promotion, writes Derek Davis.

A close pal of all the three managers competing for the top two places, Ternent was reluctant to stick his neck out and say which pair would go up without the need for a play-off trial.

Ternent said: "Wigan are an extremely good side and Ipswich are an extremely good side. But Sunderland have a head start now so it is difficult to say, but the nearer you get to the end of the end of the season the harder it gets."

The hard-earned point against Ipswich moved Gillingham out of the bottom three for the first time since the beginning of last October.

Ternent said: "Psychologically it was a good boost for us but there is still a long way to go and there will be a few twists and turns at the bottom yet, but we deserve to be out of the bottom three.

"Ipswich are a very good side and we had a lot of opportunities to score against them but they didn't go in. That said, I'm happy with a point."

By moving above Coventry City, the former Burnley boss can now see light at the end of what he admits has been a dark tunnel. It would go down in his long and colourful career as one of the high points.

Ternent said: "It would be a big achievement. I have had a few promotions in my time but I have never had relegation and I don't intend to start now.

"Last season at my previous club it was a nightmare and that was a big achievement to keep them in the Championship. But this would rank above that because I had a full season there.

"We have given ourselves a chance and the players have a desire and a belief.

"I have told them not to be frightened to win, but first we had to learn how not to lose."

The result against Ipswich took the Gills' run to five matches unbeaten.

"It is down to the players, they have worked their socks off and have a good shape now.

"We were way adrift but the form since then has been remarkable. That has a good effect on players; it certainly has a good effect on me."

The Gills have two more of the top six sides left to play this season with Preston and Derby still to come.