Gareth Ainsworth insists Gillingham are heading in the right direction after seeing his side grind out a hard-earned 1-1 draw at Chesterfield – their fourth consecutive stalemate since he took over.
In a game full of tactical adjustments, effort, and narrow margins, Elliott Nevitt gave the Gills a deserved first-half lead before Paul Cook’s men responded with a strong second-half performance to take a share of the points.
Adaptation, Grit – and Encouragement
Ainsworth revealed post-match that a late rethink on tactics almost cost them, but praised the players for reacting quickly and showing discipline under pressure. With limited time to train due to a packed schedule, the squad had been working off video analysis.
“We had a formation and worked on it from the video… We changed just before kick-off because I thought Chesterfield had changed… I was screaming ‘original plan’ onto the pitch and the boys adapted so well.” – Gareth Ainsworth
The Gills took the game to Chesterfield in the first half and should have been further ahead at the break. Gbode nearly broke through one-on-one and Nevitt had another chance to double the lead, but the home side rallied strongly in the second period.
Chesterfield equalised and pushed for a winner, but Gillingham held firm. A late break almost won it when Morgan’s pullback for Arman Little was cut out at the last moment.
“We soaked up a lot of pressure,” said Ainsworth, “and just for that tiny moment, we’d have had a great win on the night.”
The Gills boss also highlighted the away supporters, who travelled in big numbers despite little at stake and Champions League distractions elsewhere. “340 on a Tuesday night is incredible,” he said. “You could hear them every time we did something right. That support means everything.”
Next up is MK Dons at home — and Ainsworth is targeting that elusive first victory.
Site Opinion
This was a performance full of character from Gillingham. While the wait for a win goes on, Ainsworth is shaping a team with real resolve and flexibility. The tactical nous shown by both the staff and players bodes well. Gills fans should feel encouraged — this side is already harder to beat, and when the finishing sharpens, the points will come. Saturday could be the turning point.
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