Port Vale 2-1 Gillingham
- Published
Marc Richards' last minute penalty gave Port Vale victory over Gillingham.
The visitors took the lead at the end of the first half with Chris Whelpdale heading in Gavin Tomlin's cross from the right.
Vale pushed for an equaliser after the break and drew level with nine minutes remaining when Doug Loft crossed for Sean Rigg to nod in.
Richards secured victory from the penalty spot after he had been bundled over in the area by Whelpdale.
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Port Vale manager Micky Adams told BBC Radio Stoke:
Adams hails impact of Vale subs
"We were poor for 55 to 60 minutes. I thought we looked tired and had no enthusiasm for the game.
"We made a few changes, we changed our shape a little bit and it worked for us.
"I don't think it's any reflection on the lads we took off because they've been playing well in the run we've had.
"I just felt we needed to freshen it up, we needed a little bit of enthusiasm out there and Paul Marshall and Chris Shuker gave us that."
Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent:
Hessenthaler - we were outstanding
"As for the performance, absolutely outstanding. If they show that desire, commitment and way to play football from now til the end of the season, they're going to be OK.
"We've been asking ourselves whether they [youngsters Jack Evans and Connor Essam] are ready, after that I thought they are, along with everyone else.
"Most managers will tell you go into it and one day you get the sack. A lot of top managers in the world have been sacked, but I'm not looking at that, I'm looking at the next game.
"I got a text from the chairman, he's behind us, and he will be as long as we show that desire and effort."