GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler hailed his side’s performance against Grimsby at Priestfield on Saturday as they put themselves back in the play-off race.

Gills are now in 14th position but only five points outside the play-off zone with two games in hand on sixth-placed Rotherham.

The player-manager, who will miss the Brighton and Notts Forest games after picking up his 10th booking of the season on Saturday, was full of praise for two-goal hero Rod Wallace who gave Gills the early advantage.

Hessenthaler said: “I was pleased for Rod. He's still a great player and that’s why we brought him to the club. We're starting to reap the rewards from him but he needs to keep playing and keep clear of injuries."

Hessenthaler also praised Chris Hope who bagged a goal on his 140th consecutive appearance for the club. He said: The and Hessenthaler is hoping that he can extend his stay beyond his current deal. The player-manager added: “Chris is one of the best signings I've made.

“He's a fantastic professional and hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, we will be sitting down to sort out his contract.

“He has got another year after this season and we want to try and tie him to the club for the next few years because he is a big part of the team, along with Paul Shaw, Barry Ashby and Paul Smith. We can’t afford to lose these players.”