Manager Andy Hessenthaler believes one more poor performance will end Gillingham’s play-off hopes.

The Gills boss (pictured) slammed his team’s second-half showing at Burton as they became the first team since Boxing Day to lose to the League 2 strugglers.

And Hessenthaler knows that if there is any repeat in the run-in, then his team can forget about promotion this season.

He said: "We have got some tough games (remaining) but if we play like we did second half, which wasn’t acceptable, then the season is going to fizzle out."

With a seven-point gap to make up with seven games left, many have already written off Gills’ hopes but Hessenthaler isn’t giving up.

"We are not out of it," he said. "I am sure people who saw us on Tuesday night will laugh but we are not. There are seven games to go and I would say we probably need to win six of those to confirm a place in the play-offs. That’s the challenge and it’s a big challenge."

The Gills boss needs to lift his team ahead of a home game against Macclesfield on Saturday. The visitors haven’t won in any of their last 18 matches.

"Only a win can do that against a team that are fighting against relegation themselves," said Hessenthaler.

"They are a big strong side. I am going to have to pick my team carefully because I am going to need real characters. Let’s hope we don’t put in another performance like the second half at Burton otherwise it’s going to be a tricky one."

How many points do you think Gillingham will need from their last seven games to achieve the play-offs? Have your say below.