Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler admits that the League 2 title may be out of their reach but automatic promotion remains well within sight.

Chesterfield opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the table at the weekend and are 12 clear of the Gills, who currently occupy the final play-off position in seventh.

The Gills are in steady form at the minute, with just one defeat in 10, but with four draws from their last five games they have dropped vital points.

"Let them (Chesterfield) win it as far as I am concerned," said Hessenthaler.

"They will win it. There is still that second and third spot because teams are not on a consistent run.

"I backed Wycombe earlier on in the season, because I thought they were the best side and probably over the two games they are the best team we’ve played.

"Against Chesterfield we got beat but we could have won that game because we dominated it.

"They’ve had a few draws, like ourselves, but I expect them to win it and there will be quite a few teams chasing for second and third.

"There are loads of teams in it and it’s going to be an interesting few weeks."

The Gills have played several of the top teams recently and head to second-placed Shrewsbury this weekend.

Saturday’s draw with Bury saw the Gills miss out on going fifth, which would have been their highest place of the season.

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