John McCombe's moment of madness gifted Gillingham victory against managerless Port Vale.

The defender headed the ball into his own net in the 34th minute after getting caught in two minds trying to deal with John Nutter's free-kick.

Gillingham almost doubled their lead just after the break but Simeon Jackson fired over the bar.

Vale were clinging on and should have slipped further behind in the final 10 minutes but Jackson struck the post.

Gillingham: Royce, Fuller, Richards, King, Nutter, Bentley, Weston (Jarrett 85), Crofts, Daniels, Jackson, Barcham (Cumbers 90).
Subs Not Used: Pugh, Julian, Mills.

Goals: McCombe 34 og.

Port Vale: Anyon, Stockley, McCombe, Collins, Prosser, Richman (Dodds 51), Griffith, Davidson, Tudor (Lawrie 70), Richards, Rodgers (Perry 83).
Subs Not Used: Martin, Howland.

Booked: Prosser.

Att: 4,986

Ref: Keith Woolmer (Northamptonshire).