Gillingham won their first game since the end of September as Jayden Clarke’s late strike ended SKYBet League Two leaders Port Vales ten game unbeaten run. 

For Mark Bonner the relief was evident as for the third time this season, the Gills have beaten the League leaders and, on this occasion, Clarke was in the right place to convert Conor Masterson’s ball into the box as the central defender made a superb run forward. 

Gillingham started brightly with Remeao Hutton and Marcus Wyllie combined brilliantly down the right and Wyllie’s driven ball across the box was inches away from a stretching Armani Little who sadly for the Gills was forced off with injury on the half hour! 

The returning Jake Turner did really well to deny Ronan Curtis late in the half – it was though a challenge that had Vale players and supporters screaming for a spot-kick but referee Young waved the protests away. 

Max Clark’s free-kick early in the second period was just too high as the Gills looked to edge in front as the game developed into an intriguing battle with both sides probing but without clear cut chances. Max Ehmer and Masterson both made great blocks as the visitors went searching for the all-important goal. 

But that was to fall to Clarke and the Gills eleven minutes from time as Hutton’s throw released Masterson down the right and his terrific ball to the back post was headed home by Clarke as the substitute gave keeper Connor Ripley no chance. 

Vale threw everything at the Gills for the last ten minutes to try and keep their unbeaten run but Turner and his defenders held firm to give Priestfield the win that the faithful needed so badly with the points taking Bonner and his side back to just a point outside of the Play Offs.  

The Gills now head to League One Stevenage Borough in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy on Tuesday night knowing that a two-goal win will take them into the knock out stage of the competition before a blank Saturday due to the international commitments of scheduled opponents Walsall. 

GILLINGHAM – Turner, Hutton, Masterson, Ehmer, Ogie, Max Clark, Little (Coleman), Dieng (Nolan), Euan Williams (Jonny Williams), Wakeling (Andrews), Wyllie (Jayden Clarke) 

Subs – Morris, Gbode 

PORT VALE – Ripley, Debrah (Tolaj), Hall, Heneghan, Cover, Croasdale, Sang, Grant (Paton), Richards (Chislett), Stockley (Hackford), Curtis (Shorrock) 

Subs – Amos, Lowe 

REFEREE – Mr. Young 

Images courtesy of Gillingham FC