Swansea 1 Gillingham 1

MARK STIMSON began his Gillingham managerial reign at Swansea with the club’s first away point of the season.

It took an injury time penalty save from Simon Royce to ensure Gillingham kept hold of something from their trip to Wales.

“To get a point here is fantastic,” said Stimson. “I’m delighted but if I’m honest the players are a little disappointed they didn’t get something more from the game.

“There was a great work rate from the players and we deserved to not concede.

“A point is something that we haven’t had before and something to build on. We can take great pride from this and enjoy the journey home.”

Gillingham got off to a flying start as Delroy Facey put his side ahead with a sublime 25 yard strike past Swans keeper Dorus de Vries.

The Gills hopes of getting their first points on the road were given a further boost mid-way through the half when home striker Warren Feeney received a straight red for a rash challenge on Simon King.

Gary Mulligan and Mark Bentley both had great opportunities to extend the lead but were denied by de Vries.

Swansea started the second half brightly and had the ball in the back of the net, after Mark Bentley accidentally bundled Paul Anderson’s corner into the back of the net. The referee, however, saw a foul on keeper Simon Royce and blew for a foul.

The pressure from the home side finally paid off when Anderson met Darren Pratley’s cross and steered home the equaliser on 79 minutes.

Swansea were awarded a penalty five minutes into extra time when Leon Britton was fouled in the box but Royce was equal to Andy Robinson’s penalty and saved the rebound too.

Gills: Royce, Southall, Cox, King, Graham (Cogan 70mins), Bentley, Brown, Facey, Sodje, Mulligan (Dickson 84mins), Crofts. Subs Not Used: Stillie, Lomas, Clohessy. Attendance: 13,452.