by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Martin Allen has vowed his team will improve following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Port Vale.

The Gills conceded two early goals in the top-of-the-table clash at Priestfield and, despite piling on the pressure in the second half, were unable to turn the match around.

Allen, pictured, said: "There are definitely areas and room for improvement.

"You can’t give goals away, not if you want to be top and, up until now, our record has been fantastic.

"In our last two games – both away from home – we’ve conceded nothing and hardly had a shot against us.

"You have to stand up and be counted, take it on the chin, learn from it and we will improve."

Victory would have put Gills in a strong position at the top and Allen added: "Port Vale are a decent side and we can’t afford to be giving away two-goal starts to other teams."

Gillingham are now a point and a place behind the new leaders.

"Now we have a challenge to get back up there and go past them," Allen said.