Already-promoted Port Vale fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Gillingham as their hopes of pipping Doncaster to the League Two title failed to materialise.

Vale needed leaders Doncaster to drop points away at Notts County to have any chance of finishing in top spot but Rovers ran out 2-1 winners to be crowned champions.

A stunning goal from Aaron Rowe secured all three points for Gillingham, who ended the campaign in 17th place on the back of a 12-match unbeaten run, as Vale were unable to finish in style.

Vale were the only team to register a shot on goal in a lacklustre first half, with Rhys Walters and Ronan Curtis forcing saves out of Gills goalkeeper Glenn Morris.

The hosts had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock just before the break but Lorent Tolaj ballooned his effort high and wide.

Gillingham looked a lot brighter after the restart and came close to taking the lead when Max Clark’s strike went just wide in the 55th minute.

They did go ahead moments later thanks to a superb finish from Rowe, who created space for himself on the edge of the area before firing a left-footed shot into the top corner.

Jayden Stockley came off the bench straight after the goal and nearly brought the home side level on the hour mark but, having been found in the box by fellow substitute Rico Richards, his attempt was well saved by the legs of Morris.

Captain George Byers had a late effort saved by Morris as Vale’s hopes of snatching what was by then a relatively insignificant equaliser ended and they were forced to settle for a second-placed finish.