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Gillingham midfielder Euan Williams says it’s onwards and upwards after Swindon Town draw took shine off his first Football League start

05:00, 30 October 2024

updated: 17:26, 31 October 2024

Midfielder Euan Williams had his big day tarnished after Gillingham conceded a late equaliser against Swindon Town on Saturday.

Summer signing Williams, 21, was making his first Football League start in Gillingham’s game at Swindon and left the field with his team winning 1-0 after being substituted. Unfortunately, a late goal from the hosts meant the Gills had to settle for a draw.

Euan Williams had mixed feelings after Saturday's draw at Swindon. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Euan Williams had mixed feelings after Saturday's draw at Swindon. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Williams said: “We dominated most of the game. We had chances to make it 2-0 but didn't take them and that's what happens sometimes.

“We need to do everything we can to get out of the rut that we're in. We’ve obviously stopped that losing rut but we should have probably got the three points.

“We're happy in a way that we stopped the losing rut, but three points would have been nice.

“We're all in it together and it's only us that can get us out of it. We have to come together again as a group, as a staff, with the fans as well, who were brilliant, come together again and push on.”

Williams joined the Gills after being released by Charlton, where he had progressed through the youth ranks.

Prior to the weekend he’d only played once in the league, with a substitute appearance at Bradford, and had a game against Crystal Palace under-21s in the EFL Trophy and Swansea City in the League Cup, where he got sent off.

Making his first Football League start was a big milestone to have achieved.

He said: “It's good to get, but the main thing was getting a result. Being in the position we were in, it feels a little bit like a letdown.”

Read more: Gills win FA Youth Cup thriller

Putting the result aside, he said: “They are moments you're dreaming of when you're young and the last few years have been difficult.

“So for me to get that league start has been brilliant. I'm very grateful for the staff and I just hope this week we can move on and just go from there.

“It was literally everything I dreamed of. I enjoyed every part of it. And I just want more now.”

There were more than 1,000 fans backing the Gills on Saturday.

“That was brilliant,” he said. “It gives you such a buzz. When we had a few counter-attacking moments, you can just hear that roar. It's good.

“We just have to thank them a lot for that and just hope it continues throughout the season.”

Williams hasn’t had a taste of the FA Cup yet, but will hope to be involved against Blackpool at Priestfield this Saturday.

He said: “It's special, isn't it? So it's a great game for us. Hopefully we'll be seeing a rocking Priestfield.”

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