Vale were overrun by on-form climbers Gillingham.
Cody McDonald hit a sweet shot into the corner of Vale's net in the very FIRST minute.
It left Vale manager Micky Adams fuming, but with all the uncertainty concerning his future with the club, it was natural for Vale to falter.
Gillingham took advantage.
McDonald made it 2-0 on 37 minutes, tapping home at the far post after Barry Fuller's pass crept through Vale's distracted defence. McDonald missed out on a hat-trick when he hit the post early in the second half.
On the hour, it was 3-0 when McDonald helped set up Adebayo Akinfenwa, who sliced a rebound into the net.
It could have been more, as Vale were dreadful.