Martin Allen reflects on his side’s well earned draw at Swindon Town
Gills twice came from behind to earn a richly deserved point against Swindon at the County Ground and in his post match press conference Martin Allen explained what it was like watching from the sidelines, “It’s important to keep cool, keep calm and make important judgements to help the players get back.“There’s no point criticising them. I used to do that years ago. We were dominating the second-half when they scored that goal. We were dominating the first-half too when they scored and we’d had three or four good chances, which you don’t normally get away from home.
“This lot were in the play-offs last year and they’ve brought in half of Tottenham’s reserve team. Players that I’ve tried to get but Tottenham wouldn’t let me have them, so it’s a good result and I’m pleased.”
Martin kept faith with the same starting XI that drew with Brentford at Priestfield last weekend, commenting, “I thought our players against Brentford were absolutely outstanding and it’s probably the best performance of any team since I’ve been at Gillingham.
“That Brentford team is a very strong team but we dominated from start to finish in my opinion. They knocked a few passes about but they didn’t really threaten our goal. After the game I must admit I was disappointed.
“I didn’t do the media but stayed in my office, calmly and quietly, with my family. I was upset because I wanted to win that game but this week I’m very proud of them all.”
Danny Kedwell and Cody McDonald were the Gills goal scorers and Martin paid tribute to the contribution of all his forwards, adding, “Danny Kedwell does a lot for our team. It’s not just about goals but how they play for our team and how they defend for our team and how they defend set-plays.
“I thought Akinfenwa was outstanding in the first-half. He was unplayable. I knew Cody was coming on because I told him yesterday to come on and hopefully get the winner. When he went through there was no doubt he was going to score.
“He’s been fantastic in training, working his way back and of course the German came on and he did well. All our players can score, and will score, but we are a team, we’re a family squad and we are enjoying every moment of being in this division.”
Cody’s late equaliser was a special moment for all Gills supporters and Martin was pleased that the goal came directly in front of the travelling fans, saying, “I loved seeing that goal go in from Cody McDonald, in front of our supporters.
“If my knee had been a bit better I probably would have done a sliding tackle all the way into the corner flag but my left knee wouldn’t allow it. It was a magic moment in front of all our fans and I’ve just patted everyone on the back and said fantastic.
“These players can do it. They’ve got a great will to improve and training over the past two weeks has been fantastic. We’ve had loads and loads of supporters coming to the training ground and none of them can believe how happy we all are and the good fun that we have every day.”