Swindon Town

Swindon had twice gone in front through Nathan Byrne and Nathan Thompson but Cody McDonald’s late goal earned the visitors a share of the spoils. 

Manager Mark Cooper made two changes to the side that had lost at Shrewsbury last weekend. Nile Ranger stepped off the bench on his home debut to replace the departed Andy Williams while Jay McEveley slotted in at left-back with Nathan Byrne pushing forwards into a right-wing role, replacing Miles Storey who took his place amongst the substitutes.

A lively opening saw both sides trading blows early on. Danny Kedwell and Adebayo Akinfenwa went close for the Gills while Ryan Harley’s shot from distance was spilled by Stuart Nelson. With nine minutes on the clock, Swindon went ahead. Ranger found Pritchard who spread the ball right to the onrushing Nathan Thompson. The full-back swept a cross in towards Nathan Byrne who slid in to bundle home from close range.

However, the lead would last just nine minutes. A long throw into the box caught out Swindon and in stole Danny Kedwell to plant a header beyond Foderingham into the far corner of the net.

Swindon could have re-taken the lead minutes later when Darren Ward connected with a corner but saw his header pushed acrobatically onto the woodwork and away by Nelson. 

Town put the pressure on at the start of the second half and Alex Pritchard had two chances that were kept out by Stuart Nelson. Akinfenwa headed over before Swindon re-took the lead.

After working a crossing opportunity, Ryan Harley’s deep cross was met by Nathan Thompson who sent the ball into the far corner of the net. With just over ten minutes to play Town could not make the most of a three-on-two break when substitute Ryan Mason fired over the bar.

With five minutes to play, the visitors snatched an equaliser. A long clearance out of defence picked out Cody McDonald who took the ball inside Grant Hall before firing past Foderingham.

In injury time, Thompson fashioned a shooting opportunity but could not keep his shot down.