'From fantastic, to terrible, to okay' - Gunning's verdict as Swindon grab a point late on

Interim boss Gavin Gunning watched Swindon Town snatch a late point in a 2-2 draw at Gillingham before admitting the performance went “from fantastic, to terrible, to okay”.

The Dubliner was speaking after his side rallied to ensure it was honours even at Priestfield Stadium, thanks to Harry McKirdy’s late strike. 

Reflecting on his team’s display, Gunning told the club’s official Youtube channel: “From fantastic, to terrible, to okay! It was just a mad game. 

“We probably should have been three or four up again, then they score on a transition where we kind of half-tackle on a 50-50. 

“I think both the goals were like that so it’s obviously poor defensively from us – not as in just the defenders but as the whole team, we were disjointed I think. 

“We’re creating so many chances but unfortunately, we’re not being as clinical as we should be.”

Sean McGurk opened the scoring for Swindon on 24 minutes. He capped off a quick breakaway by shifting the ball onto his left foot and finding the top corner from just inside the penalty area. 

First #STFC start ?
First #STFC goal ?

?? What a moment and what a finish, Sean McGurk! ?? pic.twitter.com/0lrKyP8yrk

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) February 14, 2024

Oli Hawkins headed in a leveller for the Gills before Connor Mahoney recorded what looked to be the winner with a coolly taken penalty 11 minutes from time. 

But Town were not done and grabbed a point courtesy of McKirdy’s low drive in the dying moments.

“We dominated possession for most of the game to be fair but at times it was a bit slow and that’s not us,” said Gunning. 

“Good performances again, I think. A lot to take away from it but when you are creating that many chances, you need to take more chances. 

“Just a frustrating evening again. We are playing some great stuff, even their manager after said ‘fair play, you’re playing some great stuff’ so it’s a nice compliment from him.”

The draw left the Robins 17th in the fourth tier, with 39 points from 32 league games. 

Town host MK Dons at The County Ground on Saturday (3pm). 

(Picture: Rob Noyes)