Gareth Ainsworth was glad to come away from the Wham Stadium with a point as Gillingham opened their 2025/26 campaign in a 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon.
Accrington took the lead through Tyler Walton before Devon Matthews headed Armani Little's corner into the back of his own net. The Gills boss admitted that it was a game that lacked quality, but was pleased with the fight his side showed after going a goal down.
Gillingham have a free week in the build-up to the game against Walsall and Ainsworth discussed how he will handle the next seven days. He also alluded to how condensed the upcoming schedule could become, meaning everybody in the squad has to be ready.
Ainsworth praised the 610 travelling supporters for their incredible efforts and outlined how he hopes to add to the squad in the transfer window.
Discussing the game...
We had a style that we wanted to employ. We tried to get down the sides, and I thought that we did it well in the first half. We had deep midfield runs, which was really good. There was some great play in the first half, but in the second half I thought we were a bit more messy. We were a bit more direct. A lot landed on their central defender, [Farrend] Rawson. I had to change.
They went 1-0 up. We didn't lock out the defence very well and he's got in and scored. We have got to make sure that we are better at that. That's learning for me. In the second half, when we're getting a bit tired and maybe switch off, so we have got to work on that.
The way that the boys fought to get back into the game. It was thoroughly deserved. It wasn't a game of great quality. I understand that. Fans will be saying 'you have to play more', and I know, and we will, but when you come to Accrington Stanley, you know that they will scrap and fight. They'll do anything that they can, and that is a massive credit to them. They have got some good players, but you have to match the fight.
I am glad to say that we're taking something down the road. It's nice. I would have loved three points, but it is a tough place to come.
Having a free week and the upcoming schedule...
We could have ten games in 36 days if the AFC Wimbledon game goes well, which is crazy at the start of the season. We've got a small squad, I have said that, and I want to work with a small squad. Everyone is going to take part, everyone is going to play games, and everyone is going to be ready for it.
The boys will have a couple of down days, and then we will get back into it. We want to put a good showing for our home fans next week and make sure that we can create some chances.
The 610 travelling supporters...
The fans were fantastic. There were 600+. Just to go over there at the end, and the cheer when Marns [Armani Little] has put the corner in is just brilliant. Thank you for that. You helped us get that point today.
Adding to the squad...
I am trying to add a bit more right up top. I think that some creativity would be great. There is a lot of onus on Brad [Dack] at times to be that one. Help in that area with creation and a bit of magic around the box.
