Gillingham manager Martin Allen has admitted that going two goals down to Port Vale made getting anything out of the game very tough.
Danny Kedwell did pull a goal back for the Gills, but they were forced to concede top spot in League Two to their victors.
"We created numerous chances but you have to say you don't want to be 2-0 down in the first place," Allen said.
"At 2-0 down it's tough for the players to come back and play. They could have hidden, but they came back and gave everything they've got.
"I fully expected us to win in the second half to be honest, we had numerous chances but it wasn't to be."
Port Vale are now one point ahead at the top of the table.
