Keyrol Figueroa came off the bench at half-time and delivered the moment that changed the match, scoring in the 66th minute to earn Port Vale a 1-1 draw against Gillingham in League Two.
It was a useful point for Port Vale after they had trailed at the break, while Gillingham were left to settle for a share of the points at Priestfield. The first half had been quiet, with chances limited before the interval, but the match opened up enough after half-time for both sides to find a goal.
How Gillingham took the lead
Gillingham went in front in the 42nd minute when Ronan Hale converted from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after George Hall fouled Ethan Coleman, giving the home side the chance to break the deadlock before half-time.
That goal looked as though it might be enough for Gillingham after a short spell in a tight contest, but Port Vale responded after the restart with a change that made the difference.
The substitute who changed the game
Figueroa was introduced at half-time and needed just 21 minutes to make an impact. He finished from close range in the 66th minute to make it 1-1 and restore Port Vale's hopes of leaving with something from the match.
Port Vale also had another chance to go ahead in the second half when Kyle Dempsey's free-kick was saved by Ollie Wright. That moment kept the score level and underlined how narrow the margins were in the closing stages.
In the end, the result stayed level at full time: Gillingham 1, Port Vale 1. For Port Vale, Figueroa's equalizer ensured they did not leave Priestfield empty-handed. For Gillingham, it was a reminder that a one-goal lead can disappear quickly when a substitute makes the most of his chance.
