Swindon Town 1 Gillingham 1: League 2 match report from the County Ground – Gillingham Wining Goal Denied’

Gillingham were denied a much-needed win on Saturday after conceding in stoppage time.

Swindon played over 80 minutes with 10 men following an early red card for defender Grant Hall. The Gills capitalized with an opening goal by Tim Dieng, but their victory hopes were dashed when Harry Smith headed home in the third minute of injury time.

Tim Dieng put Gillingham ahead early on against Swindon. Gillingham, desperate to end October on a high after five straight losses, looked on course to win before Smith scored on 93 minutes.

Gills manager Mark Bonner switched to a 3-5-2 formation for the first time. Euan Williams made his Football League debut, while Jacob Wakeling partnered Oli Hawkins up front.

Swindon’s new manager Ian Holloway watched from the stands, having been appointed just a day before. Swindon’s coaching staff frequently consulted with him, as he couldn’t sit on the bench.

Hall’s reckless challenge on Dieng led to his ninth-minute dismissal after the referee initially showed a yellow card, then consulted his assistants to change it to red.

Oli Hawkins hit the crossbar shortly after, and though Wakeling couldn’t capitalize on the rebound, Hawkins blasted wide.

Gillingham took the lead on 16 minutes when Wakeling pulled the ball back for Dieng, who scored from six yards. Swindon’s big striker, Harry Smith, was a constant threat and nearly scored with a header before the half.

Swindon’s keeper, Jack Bycroft, made a great save to deny Dieng a second goal. Holloway, Swindon’s new boss, tried to get messages to his team from the touchline.

In the second half, chances were few for the Gills. Euan Williams missed the target before Bonner made substitutions.

Swindon’s equalizer came when Tunmise Sobowale crossed to Smith, who headed in at the back post.

**League 2 table**

**Gillingham:** Turner, Ogie, Masterson, Ehmer, Hutton, Clarke, Coleman, E. Williams (Little 67′), Dieng (J. Williams 78′), Wakeling (Wyllie 67′), Hawkins (Andrews 83′). Subs not used: Ashby-Hammond, Nolan, Gbode.

**Swindon:** Bycroft, Sobowale, Wright, Hall, McGregor (Freckleton 20′), Clarke (Minturn 56′), Kilkenny, Butterworth (Cotterill 70′), Cox (Longelo 56′), Drinan (Tshimanga 70′), Smith. Subs not used: Barden, Ofoborh.

**Referee:** Anthony Backhouse

**Attendance:** 7,325 (1,105 away)