Keyrol Alexis Figueroa Norales came off the bench to earn Port Vale a hard-fought point away at Gillingham. The 1-1 draw on Tuesday night extends the Valiants' unbeaten run in League Two to five matches.
Ronan Chapman Hale had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot three minutes before half-time. Port Vale responded after the break, with Alexis Figueroa Norales levelling the score in the 66th minute. The point leaves Port Vale 21st in the league table with 11 points from nine games, but they are now unbeaten in their last five outings, a run that includes three wins and two draws. Their recent form, comprising three wins and two draws, has lifted them from a difficult start of three wins, two draws and four losses this season.
How the match unfolded
Port Vale started brightly and enjoyed the majority of possession, ending the game with 59% of the ball. They created 11 shots to Gillingham's nine, though both sides managed three on target. The first half was a tight affair, but the game turned when the referee pointed to the spot. Chapman Hale converted the penalty to put Gillingham ahead.
The tactical shift paid off. The Honduran forward found the net midway through the second half to bring Vale level. Moon received a yellow card for a foul in the 56th minute, the only booking for the visitors. Gillingham's best chance to win it late on fell to Josh Andrews, who saw his header cleared off the line by Port Vale's Alex Iacovitti.
What the result means
This result continues a positive spell of form for Port Vale. They have scored five goals and conceded nine so far this season, leaving them with a -4 goal difference. The draw at Priestfield Stadium keeps them 11 points behind league leaders Salford City but builds momentum ahead of a tough away trip. This unbeaten sequence began with a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield on 22 September, followed by a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town, a 1-0 victory against Grimsby, and a 1-0 win over Chesterfield last Saturday, with Onel Hernández scoring the winner in that match.
Port Vale now turn their attention to Saturday's fixture against fourth-placed York at the York Community Stadium. That match kicks off at 3pm local time. Gillingham will travel to face Notts County at Meadow Lane.
