The Valiants earn a point on the road following a much improved second-half performance against Gillingham at Priestfield.
Jon Brady made two changes to his side after Saturday’s victory against Chesterfield as Kyle John and George Byers both returned to the starting lineup in place of Jaheim Headley and Kyle Dempsey.
Following an opening twenty-five minutes where chances were limited, the hosts had the game's first opportunity in the 26th minute. A cross from the right was met by Tom Eaves, but his header from the centre of the area was well wide.
Both defences were on top and limited each other to shots from range. After a long ball was cleared, it fell kindly to Max Watters on the edge of the area. The Vale forward controlled the ball on his chest before striking a dipping volley straight at Ollie Wright in the Gillingham goal.
Ten minutes before the break, Marko Marosi was called into action for the first time. James Brophy’s whipped free-kick was met by a powerful header from Andy Smith, but the Vale keeper was equal to it as he produced a full-stretch save to claw it away to safety.
Marosi was called into action again four minutes later when Brophy’s corner from the right side almost crept in at the near post, but the Vale keeper reacted quickly and turned it behind.
The opening goal came five minutes before the break. Ethan Coleman beat George Hall to a bouncing ball in the box and went down after a trip from Hall. The referee showed no hesitation and pointed to the spot. Ronan Hale stepped up and tucked his penalty away into the bottom corner, despite Marosi guessing correctly to put Gillingham ahead
At the break, Jon Brady made a triple change as he changed formation and added two forwards to his side.
The hosts really should have added a second goal five minutes after the restart. A deflected strike from range fell kindly to Tom Eaves, who was in behind, but his effort was saved well by Marosi before the rebound fell to Armani Little, who rushed his effort and blazed well over the crossbar.
After nearly going further behind, Vale looked to level the game and came close when Ben Garrity’s cross was met by half-time substitute Oli Lynch, but the angle was tight, and his strike crashed into the side netting.
Vale came close again on the hour mark when Connor Hall sent a lovely cross towards the back post where it was met by on-loan forward, Keyrol Figueroa, but his header went well wide.
Jon Brady's side were pushing and deservedly got their leveller in the 66th minute. George Byers’ lofted cross caused chaos in the Gillingham area and after a scramble in the six-yard box Keyrol Figueroa managed to poke the loose ball into the bottom corner to grab his first ever professional goal.
After getting back onto level terms, Vale looked the more likely to grab a winner. Ten minutes from time, Jordan Gabriel broke free and drove towards the Gillingham area before he was upended by Conor McManus and Vale had a free-kick in a dangerous area. Another of the half-time substitutes, Kyle Dempsey, stepped up and stung the palms of Ollie Wright, who turned Dempsey’s free-kick to safety.
Vale continued to move the ball nicely but couldn't break down a resolute Gillingham defence who were happy to hang onto a point. This now means Vale are four unbeaten in all competitions and are yet to lose after the extended international break.
TEAM NEWS:
Gillingham: Ollie Wright, Conor McManus (Michael Luxton 84’), Andy Smith, Ethan Coleman (Harry Waldock 70’), Armani Little, Ronan Hale (Garath McCleary 74’), James Brophy, Omar Beckles ©, Jack Daley, Nick Freeman, Tom Eaves (Sheldon Kendall 84’)
Subs not used: Rohan Luthra, Logan Dobbs, Sullivan Booth.
Port Vale: Marko Marosi, Kyle John (Jaheim Headley 66’), Jasper Moon, Connor Hall, Jordan Gabriel, George Byers, Ben Garrity © (Rhys Walters 90’), Onel Hernandez (Oli Lynch 45’), Cameron Humphreys, George Hall (Kyle Dempsey 45’), Max Watters (Keyrol Figueroa 45’).
Subs not used: Jackson Smith, Lewis Montsma.
