THE prospect of five successive home games improved Andy Hessenthaler's mood after the disappointment of Gillingham's 1-0 defeat at leaders Portsmouth on Saturday.

The Gills boss believes the crucial five, starting with Tuesday's visit of Norwich, can launch the club into the play-off zone in a make-or-break bid to scramble into the top six.

After Norwich, Gillingham entertain Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, Wimbledon and Rotherham. "I'm upset we lost the game but pleased with the performance," said the Gills boss after the Pompey game.

"The big plus for us today is that other results have gone for us. I still believe we have a good chance of getting into the play-offs with these five home games. And remember, our home form has been good of late.

"Although we've lost against Portsmouth, we can take heart from the way we played against a side that will be in the Premier League next season."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp admitted his side were az little lucky to take maximum points. He said: "We're not going to batter every team we play and we certainly weren't going to do that to Gillingham. Maybe we were fortunate to take all three points."