Thetownender2005: Port Vale 0-0 Gillingham

Both teams lacked the quality in front of goal to convert the few half chances that were created and Gillingham ‘keeper Jason Brown, and opposite number Mark Goodlad were spectators for much of the game.

It was Vale who started the brighter with striker Nathan Lowndes providing a constant aerial threat for the Gillingham defence to deal with. And deal with them they didn’t – Rose, Cox and Hope all caught out at times against the excellent Lowndes, who helped Vale beat Southend with two goals on Saturday.

However Gillingham did create the game’s best chance mid-way through the first half. A quiet Darren Byfield capitalised on some poor Vale defending, but was stopped in his tracks by Goodlad, who failed to gather the ball. It ended up at the feet of Andrew Crofts on the edge of the box, but he could only blaze wide of the gaping goal, to the despair of the 370 away supporters.

Cooper set about inspiring his team at the interval, but it was Vale who came out the stronger side. Gillingham, still looking rusty early into the new season, were put on the back foot as Michael Cummins headed wide, and Mickey Bell sent his shot into the anxious Gills following behind the goal.

Make-shift striker Daniel Spiller struggled to make an impact and was replaced by new-boy Paul Shields on the hour mark. Still Vale pushed forward, creating a chance for Lowndes who tested Brown with a drive, but the Gills shot-stopper got down well to tip it round the post.

Matt Jarvis was thrown on by Cooper in an attempt to snatch an undeserved three points, and Crofts almost did for the visitors, forcing a good save from Goodlad after good work from Byfield on the left wing. Sadly it wasn’t to be, and the Gills took away a point to maintain their unbeaten run as they look to bounce back after relegation.

Despite his side’s lack-lustre showing, Cooper was happy with the result and he and his troops will be looking to improve at Glanford Park on Saturday against a strong Scunthorpe side.