Gillingham went top of League 2 despite dropping their first points of the season after drawing with Chesterfield at Priestfield on Saturday.

Oxford's 3-1 defeat at York puts the Gills in pole position, but this was a tough test for Martin Allen's men with the visitors creating enough chances in the second half to have won the game.

Poor defending by Gillingham gifted the managerless visitors a 13th minute lead, Craig Westcarr firing home, before Danny Kedwell (pictured) headed them level eight minutes later with his fourth goal of the season.

Recent signing Adam Barrett was the latest player named as skipper but he, Tom Flanagan and Matt Fish must all take the blame for Westcarr's opener.

Terrell Forbes' deep cross fell between Barrett and Flanagan, and Fish lost Westcarr who fired past Gills keeper Stuart Nelson who was furious with his defenders.

However the home fans were soon cheering Kedwell's equaliser. Myles Weston made the opening with a deep cross from the right, and Kedwell powered in a header. Keeper Tommy Lee claimed he stopped the ball, but the assistant referee was perfectly placed to rule it had crossed the line.

Charlie Lee had Gillingham's first chance, a powerful volley saved by Tommy Lee, before Chris Whelpdale saw his effort blocked.

Weston and Deon Burton also had shots blocked, before Martin Allen made a change with Jack Payne replacing Lewis Montrose.

Charlie Lee's great run towards the box was ended by a deliberate trip from Chesterfield skipper Sam Hird, and then Kedwell's low shot was saved.

Gillingham almost went in front three minutes after the break, but Burton saw his powerful effort cleared off the line by Forbes and Weston fired just over the bar.

Chesterfield, who sacked John Sheridan on Tuesday, grew in confidence in the second half. Marc Richards, Westcarr and Danny Whitaker all went close, and Nelson then tipped over Liam Ridehalgh's free-kick.

Burton fired over and then substitute Adam Birchall, on for Kedwell in his first taste of league action, saw his low cross just elude his fellow striker at the far post.

Westcarr, booked earlier, was the sent off deep into stoppage-time.

Gillingham: Nelson, Fish, Flanagan, Barrett, Martin, Montrose (Payne 35mins) Lee, Whelpdale (Allen 62mins), Kedwell (Birchall 78mins) Burton, Weston.

Chesterfield: Lee, Forbes, Trotman, Hird, Ridhalgh, Talbot, Allott (Clay 72mins, Randall 78mins), Westcarr, Togwell, Whitaker, Richards (Lester 90mins).

Attendance: 4,380