Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler knows his players must show much more than they did in the first half against Burton if they want to remain in the hunt for promotion.

Hessenthaler (pictured) was disappointed with this side’s showing in the first 45 minutes and "baffled" at the reasons why his in-form team weren’t bossing their lower division opponents from the off.

He said: "I believe we have a chance (of automatic promotion), but we have to show a lot more than we did in the first half on Saturday to do that.

"There didn’t seem enough belief in us and why we can’t go out there and play with freedom after the way we have been playing and the run we are on baffles me a little bit."

The Gills moved up to their highest position of the season – fifth – despite failing to take maximum points at the weekend.

Hessenthaler’s team sit four points off second place but just four points above 10th in a congested League 2 table.

"It is crazy," he said. "The teams below are winning. I wouldn’t say we are stuttering, but we have had a few draws and I’m sure Bury messed a few coupons up with Cheltenham going on to beat them.

"There is only one team who are going to win it and that’s Chesterfield.

"They are by far and away the best side and after that it’s pretty much of a muchness.

"It’s that team that can grab it. We are on an unbeaten run but if we can change the draws to wins then we will be fine.

"We have won our last couple at home and we’ve been drawing away and you would say that is promotion form.

"It looks like it will go to the wire and it’s going to be an interesting few weeks."

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