Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler hasn’t given up hope of making the play-offs despite being held to a goalless draw at Oxford United.

The Gills were grateful to goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga for keeping them in the game at the Kassam Stadium denting Asa Hall with a superb one handed save in the first half.

At the other end of the pitch, Gillingham failed to live up to expectations despite playing an offensive looking line up.

The point keeps Gillingham ninth in League Two, still four points behind Oxford United in the last play-off place with thhree games to play.

Despite there being just nine points up for grabs and league leaders Swindon Town set to visit Priestfield next Saturday, Hessenthaler believes there is still a chance his side could make the play-offs:

“There’s no point in giving up, it’s just that it looks like three teams are now after that one place, and we’re relying on others dropping points,” said the Gills boss to BBC Radio Kent.

“We’ve got to spoil Swindon’s party next Saturday. They could be going for the title that day and it’s not going to be an easy game for us at all.”

On Gazzaniga’s save, Hessenthaler added: “It was a world-class save from him. I know there’s loads of scouts looking at him. His kicking could be better but he is a great prospect.”

Meanwhile, Oxford manager Chris Wilder felt his side should have had a late penalty during the goalless draw.

Substitute Oli Johnson went down in the box following a challenge from Joe Martin but the referee booked Johnson for diving and the battle between two teams chasing a play-off place ended in stalemate.

“I don’t see why the referee would think Oli would go down when he had a shot on goal. There was no reason for him to go down, it was a clear tug on him,” said Wilder.

“You need brave players in this game and you need brave referees. I’ll look at the TV replays and if I’m wrong, I’ll apologise to the ref, but that’s how I saw it.”

Indeed it appears to be between Gillingham, Oxford United and Crewe for that seventh place spot. With just three three games left, Oxford and Crewe are in pole position for what could be a tense finish to the season.