SWINDON Town boss Luke Williams may have struck a winning formula for his side after they held Gillingham to a 1-1 draw last night.

Injuries to Jonathan Obika and Luke Norris forced Williams to start without a recognised striker at the Priestfield, as Town looked to bounce back from their disappointing defeat away to Chesterfield.

It was a system that worked as Swindon were able to frustrate their hosts in the first half before snatching a 55th minute lead when Michael Doughty converted from the penalty spot.

Gillingham, who went into the game as league leaders, struck back with 20 minutes to go through substitute Rory Donnelly and Town were forced to hang on through seven minutes of added time with 10 men after Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill saw red late on.

However, Williams was pleased with his side’s spirited display and has seen that Town can cope should they be light in the striking department again this campaign.

“It is satisfying because of the nature of the Gillingham side,” Williams told BBC Wiltshire.

“They are a very good side and they are possibly going to be better than they were last year.

“With one or two key players out of the squad for us tonight, a point was a good return.

“We came off the pitch after the Coventry game feeling very positive, we went to QPR and the boys came away very positive there and Chesterfield looked one step too far for us without a front man to play in the same style.

“I felt like I had to help the boys to find a different way of playing that gives them a chance to stay in the game without a physical, strong front man.

“I hope that has given the boys a real lift that there is more than one way to play and that they can overcome all the circumstances.”

Iraqi international Yaser Kasim was not involved in the matchday squad after feeling a tight groin in the build-up but both he and striker Norris, who also missed the trip to Kent, could be in contention for a return to the action when Town host Port Vale on Saturday.

“We have scanned it and there is nothing there of any concern, it is just a soreness that is too strong for him to be able to move freely and it is a risk so we decided to pull him out of the squad,” added Williams.

“Luke is making good steady progress. (He was) very tired and rolled the ankle but I don’t think it will be anything that will keep him out for too long.”