Crewe Alexandra's unbeaten run came to an end with a narrow defeat to Gillingham, as Sam Gale's late goal secured a 1-0 win for the hosts. The visitors, who had scored seven goals in their first two away games, hit the woodwork four times, with Max Sanders, Tommi O'Reilly, and Josh March all coming close. Gillingham made just one change from their midweek win over Chesterfield, with Bradley Dack replacing Jonny Williams. The hosts started slowly, but grew into the game, with Robbie McKenzie making his 200th appearance for the Gills. Crewe left-back Reece Hutchinson was booked for delaying a throw-in, and the visitors lived up to their early-season stat of having won and conceded the most fouls in League Two. The second half saw more of the same, with Crewe hitting the woodwork for the third and fourth times, before Gale's late winner. Gillingham made a triple change, with Sam Vokes replacing Josh Andrews, and Aaron Rowe coming on for Lenni Cirino. The decisive moment came when Little's corner was headed back across goal by Vokes, and Gale scored the winner. Crewe's Mickey Demetriou was booked for bringing down Andrews, and the visitors will feel unlucky to have lost, given their dominance. The loss ends Crewe's perfect start to the season, and they will look to bounce back in their next game. Gillingham, on the other hand, will be delighted with the win, and will look to build on the momentum. The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. In the end, it was Gillingham's determination and luck that saw them through. Crewe will have to regroup and come back stronger in their next game.