by Luke Cawdell

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler was left down but not out after being held to a draw by Northampton.

The point gained wasn't enough to keep Gillingham in contention for a play-off spot.

Hessenthaler, pictured, who has now narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in successive seasons, said: "It wasn't really about this game, it's about the season.

"We were hanging in there with a slim opportunity to sneak into the play-offs. At the death a point would have still taken it into the last game but Crewe scored late on and that put it to bed.

"I couldn't fault the players in the second half. The conditions were tough and the wind made it difficult."

The Gills went into the break 1-0 down but levelled through Jo Kuffour.

"The goal we conceded was sloppy," Hessenthaler said.

"We told the players to go out there in the second half and have a right go and get something out of the game.

"We got the goal, I know it wasn't pretty, but I then thought we would go on and get the winner. We tried and there was one cleared off the line but it just didn't happen for us. We could have won it but in the end we just missed out.

"It's a disappointing day because we've just missed out like we did last year.

"It is a sad day. We wanted to achieve that top three position to start with this season and then top seven but we haven't done that and we need to rebuild and make sure that happens next season.

"We are all disappointed but we have to rebuild and go again."

What do you make of Hessenthaler's comments? Do you want him to lead the rebuilding at Priestfield? Have your say below.