DEFEATED and demoralised Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler has written off Town's chances of reaching the play-offs, writes Derek Davis.Although the Kent side went ahead through skipper Paul Smith they could not contain a spirited Ipswich side who effectively ended in lingering hopes the Gills had of making the top six.

DEFEATED and demoralised Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler has written off Town's chances of reaching the play-offs, writes Derek Davis.

Although the Kent side went ahead through skipper Paul Smith they could not contain a spirited Ipswich side who effectively ended in lingering hopes the Gills had of making the top six.

The player/manager who left himself out due to a hamstring injury was unhappy at the way his side caved after Pablo Counago struck the second goal.

Hessenthaler said: "We fell apart after their second goal went in and the way we defended disappointed me.

"You can't get away with that against teams like Ipswich. They are a good side but I think they will miss out on the play-offs because the teams above them will stay there."

Hessenthaler added: "In the second half we had some great spells, but in your great spells you need to score goals, otherwise there is a chance the game will kick you in the teeth."

Ninth-placed Gillingham now trail Ipswich Town by seven points and are now nine points behind Wolves and have played a game more.