Gillingham’s hopes of making the play-offs hang by a thread after failing to find the net at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Needing a win realistically to keep in touch with the top seven, Andy Hessenthaler’s attacking looking side were held by a tenacious Oxford side who themselves had chances to win the game.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler had two enforced changes to make before the game with Jack Payne and Danny Jackman forced to sit out the match.

In came two offensive players in Jo Kuffour and Gavin Tomlin as Hessenthaler set his stall out by playing four strikers in an attack minded formation.

Despite lining up looking for goals, that never really translated to what was happening on the pitch and if anything it was Oxford that had the better chances throughout the game.

Tomlin was last just fifteen minutes of the game, seemingly picking up a knock on his ankle early on and despite trying to run it off, he had to be replaced by Danny Spiller.

Gillingham were grateful to Paulo Gazzaniga for keeping them in the game with a superb one handed save from Asa Hall, whilst at the other end Liam Davis blocked shots from Danny Kedwell and Jo Kuffour.

The second half started much like the first with Oxford on the offensive with The Gills this time grateful to Connor Essam for pulling off a goal line clearance to deny Oli Johnson, whilst Matt Fish had got his head in just the right place to deny Hall’s bullet like header when Gazzaniga was beaten.

With Gills having made their changes, Dennis Oli on for Rowan Vine and Spiller back off to be replaced by Olly Lee, it was Chris Whelpdale that went the closest for The Gills at the end when he cut in from the by line, but Wayne Brown got down well to deny him.

As the clock would down, Oxford had a great shout for a penalty when Oli Johnson burst into the box and went down under a challenge from Joe Martin. Instead of the referee pointing to the spot, he produced a yellow card to the dismay of the home support.

FULL TIME: OXFORD UNITED 0-0 GILLINGHAM

The point keeps The Gills just the four points outside the play-offs after Crewe drew 2-2 at Macclesfield. Next up is Swindon Town at Priestfield next Saturday. Whether there will be fans there is still open to debate.

Oxford line up: Brown, Batt, Duberry, Wright, Davis, Chapman (Constable 70), Whing, Hall, Montano (Johnson 60), Rendell, Morgan (Tonkin 81).

Subs not used: Crocombe, Wilson.

Booked: Wright (22), Johnson (92).

Gillingham line up: Gazzaniga, Fish, Essam, Frampton, Martin, Tomlin (Spiller 15 (O Lee 89)), Whelpdale, Montrose, Vine (Oli 73), Kuffour, Kedwell.

Subs not used: Evans, King.

Booked: Kedwell (24). Kuffour (78), Montrose (86).

Referee: Mr Coote

Attendance: 7,322 (641 Gills).