Five things we learnt as Swindon Town drew against Gillingham

As experienced centre-back Grant Hall saw red for a high tackle in the first half, the game became increasingly difficult and Town just about found a leveller as they turned up the tempo in the second half.

Here are five noteworthy points we logged from the draw that puts the Robins four points clear of the drop. 

Ian Holloway has got stuck in already

Despite not taking charge of the game on Saturday, new manager Holloway got involved many times in the first half, where he had been communicating with Gavin Gunning and Steve Mildenhall. The two staff members had ran from the dugout to have multiple discussions with the former Bristol Rovers boss in the stands. At one point in the tie, he had walked down from his seat to get as close to the home bench as he could to share his thoughts and help the team get back into the game. He later took a seat further down the Stand which gave him flexibility to speak to the staff and shows his hands-on management style.

Aaron Drinan and Harry Smith partnership has potential

Whilst the attacking options are limited, the interim management team rolled back the years and started the 2021/2022 Leyton Orient striker partnership. Smith and Drinan played very far apart throughout the game to create width as Town were down to 10 men and had switched to a four back so they didn't have the wingbacks stretching out wide, Whilst we did not see what they could provide to the full extent, they are a strong option. The Irishman seems to have gotten faster this season which has allowed him to make runs in behind but can also hold up play well which created chances for Smith in the middle.

Town adapted well to the red card as the game progressed

With Hall being sent to the changing rooms early on, the whole dynamic of the game changed, and it was very hard for the hosts to adapt and react. Gillingham threw everything at the tie in the first half to make sure they stayed on the front-foot, as at one point they had five players up top. In the second half, things changed and it was a great display of determination from the Swindon squad. The Robins had more of the ball in the second period with a switch to three at the back and four substitutions made it hard for the visitors. Crosses flew in throughout the half as Town knew it could be a struggle to play free-flowing football. They eventually got their goal as Smith headed home at the back post to take a point.

Smith and Hall protest the red card (Image: Andy Crook)

Smith is cementing his place in the squad

It’s three goals in three games for the striker since he came back from injury and he is becoming undroppable. His last match before his scoring streak was a game where he touched the ball just 18 times and saw red for an elbow, but he’s turned things around in his redemption arc. The goal against Doncaster was a poacher’s finish, the one against Salford was a strong shot past the keeper and today’s late leveller was good movement in the box to free up space for him to head home. His abilities are starting to show and under Holloway he could improve even more as the new boss enjoys having a target man in his side.

No loanees in the starting 11 was a sign of intent

When the team news came out at 2pm, not a single loanee had found their way into the starting team, something that was a rarity under Mark Kennedy. Miguel Freckleton and Joel Cotterill had been regulars throughout the season but with a change of manager, they were replaced by Grant Hall and Ollie Clarke. It is important to note that the game on Tuesday may have resulted in some players needing rest, but there was no fear to change things around and that could easily be the same with the new boss in charge.