Keyrol Figueroa came off the bench to score his first senior goal and rescue a 1-1 draw for Port Vale at Gillingham on Tuesday.
The equalizer came in the 66th minute at Priestfield Stadium, giving Jon Brady's side its first away point of the season.
Hale penalty puts Gillingham ahead
Gillingham took the lead from the spot in the 39th minute through Ronan Hale.
The penalty was awarded after George Hall conceded the kick with a high-foot challenge, and Hale beat goalkeeper Marko Marosi.
Port Vale struggled to create clear chances before the break, and the Gillingham goalkeeper was not forced into a save.
Marosi kept his team in contention with an important stop from a Smith header in the 34th minute.
Brady responded by making three substitutions at halftime, including sending on Figueroa for Onel Hernandez.
The changes lifted Port Vale's attacking threat, and the visitors applied greater pressure after the restart.
Gillingham threatened to extend their advantage when Tom Eaves tested Marosi, who recovered to block the effort after stumbling.
Ollie Lynch hit the side netting in the 53rd minute, and Kyle John sent Gabriel's cross over the bar three minutes later.
Figueroa missed with a mistimed header in the 61st minute before finding the net five minutes later.
The Liverpool loanee reacted to a close-range opportunity and forced the ball home to bring Port Vale level.
The goal shifted momentum toward the visitors, who continued pushing for a winner.
George Dempsey came close in the 79th minute with a powerful free kick, while Figueroa went down inside the penalty area during a later attack, prompting appeals from Port Vale players.
Despite finishing strongly, Port Vale could not find a second goal, and the final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw.
OneValeFan's assessment credited Brady's three halftime substitutions with improving the team's attacking threat.
The report also highlighted Marosi's performance, while Jasper Moon was praised for his strength in defense.
Port Vale's starting lineup featured Marosi, Cameron Humphreys, Moon, Hall, Jordan Gabriel, George Byers, George Hall, Ben Garrity, Kyle John, Hernandez and Max Watters.
Dempsey and Headley were also introduced as Brady reshaped his side.
