Gillingham look like joining rock-bottom Port Vale in League Two after a 2-1 defeat at Vale Park left them five points away from safety.Vale may be doomed in League One, but they showed plenty of endeavour early on and only a brilliant save from Derek Stillie kept out Luke Rodgers' flick in the 11th minute.

It was no surprise when they did take the lead after 19 minutes. Marc Richards slammed home his first goal for the club after Krystian Pearce headed Paul Harsley's corner into his path.

The goal finally sparked the Gills into life as Simeon Jackson forced a fine save from Joe Anyon before Adam Miller sent a 20-yard shot narrowly wide. And Anyon produced more heroics in the 32nd minute when he brilliantly saved Jackson's penalty after the same player had been tripped by Robin Hulbert.

Mark Bentley missed another excellent chance for the visitors before the interval, then Jackson did the same two minutes into the second period. And Gillingham were made to pay for their profligacy in the 53rd minute when Danny Whitaker danced past two defenders before belting in an unstoppable shot from 20 yards.

The visitors finally gained a consolation 12 minutes from time through substitute Leroy Griffiths, who drove an emphatic finish past the keeper from a Miller corner.

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