by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham turned in a brave performance at Port Vale but it wasn’t enough to stop them claiming an unwanted record.

The goalless draw at leaders Vale was the 29th successive league game the Gills have failed to pick up a win away from home.

The Gills bossed the opening half but were unable to take advantage, with the closest chance of the first 45 minutes falling to Chris Palmer.

His goalbound shot from a Matt Lawrence nod-down was blocked well by defender Gareth Owen.

Vale’s only shot of the half was from Gary Roberts but that went well wide.

Dennis Oli, starting the game as the lone striker, put an early effort over the bar but Gillingham were unable to turn that first half pressure into a goal.

Vale came to life at the start of the second half and Jemal Johnson shot over early on.

The Gills were indebted to keeper Alan Julian midway through the half when he stopped two great chances in the space of three minutes. First he denied Johnson with a block and saved the follow-up from Marc Richards, before stopping Richards again after his header went on target.

Mark Bentley came closest for the Gills with a shot that smashed the outside of the post.

Gills: Julian, Fuller, Nutter, Lawrence, Sinclair, J Payne, Weston (McCammon 78mins), Maher, Bentley, Palmer, Oli (S Payne 78mins). Subs: Cronin, Rooney, Gowling, White, Inkango.

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