GILLINGHAM'S poor run of form continued as they picked up just one point in a 1-1 draw with strugglers Stoke City at Priestfield this afternoon.

With good results, and in particular goals, in short supply in recent weeks, Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler decided to go with a more attacking 4-3-3 formation for the visit of Stoke, who had lost their last four games.

The system didn't work too well in the first period as the away side created the best opportunities, although Gills goalkeeper Jason Brown didn't have a serious save to make.

Gillingham began the second half brightly and took the lead after six minutes although Paul Shaw will surely not have expected his deflected shot to squirm under the body of Stoke's on-loan goalkeeper Mark Crossley.

However, the lead didn't last long as Clive Clarke struck a fierce free kick into the top corner of the net within three minutes to level the scores.

Gills could have regained their advantage seconds later but Crossley made ammends for his early error by stopping Shaw's point blank header with his legs.

Both sides had half chances to win the game late on but they had to settle for a share of the points.