Swindon Town 2 Gillingham 0: League 2 match report from the Nigel Eady County Ground

Gillingham’s winless run continued as they started the new year with a defeat at old rivals Swindon Town.

A positive opening half failed to produce a goal for the Gills, and they fell behind to a Ryan Tafazolli header just before the hour mark. Jonny Smith hit the post late on, but earlier missed chances proved costly for the visitors, as Swindon added an injury-time second through Aaron Drinan.

It’s now no wins in nine for the Gills following the New Year’s Day loss at Swindon.

Gillingham had drawn more games than any other team in the Football League during 2025 - 24 from 47 games - and went into 2026 off the back of a successive home draws over Christmas.

Backed by close to 900 fans, the Gills would have been happy with a draw at high-flying Swindon but left with nothing to show for their efforts.

It was a tough start to the year for Gillingham, up against Swindon Town who began 2026 sitting joint second in League 2.

The Gills were 11th place ahead of the game, six points off the play-off places, with just one win in 14. It was form they needed to turn around fast to keep in the promotion race.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth had rotated his team, making five changes from the one which kicked off against Colchester United three days earlier.

Ainsworth changed up half of his outfield team with Max Clark, Ethan Coleman, Jonny Williams, Elliott Nevitt and Josh Andrews all back in the eleven as the likes of Bradley Dack were given a breather.

Swindon included a trio of former Gillingham players in their starting line-up. They were captained by Will Wright and also included midfielders Darren Oldaker and Tom Nichols in the team.

The Gills had ex-Swindon players Jonny Williams and Remeao Hutton in their side, both on the receiving