Accrington and Gillingham get the point on opening day

Tyler Walton’s superb solo strike was cancelled out by an own goal as Accrington drew 1-1 with pre-season promotion favourites Gillingham in Sky Bet League Two.

Walton struck in the 67th minute, racing into the area, beating two defenders before his low shot went in off the far post.

However, an Armani Little curling corner was headed home by Stanley defender Devon Matthews on 79 minutes as it finished all-square.

There was not a shot on target in the first half. Donald Love, Farrend Rawson and Matthews were off-target with their efforts for the hosts while Gills’ Conor Masterson and Joseph Gbode failed to test goalkeeper Michael Kelly.

Gillingham began the second half with more purpose, Elliott Nevitt having a strike blocked.

Walton then put Stanley ahead and they went on the hunt for the second goal, with Glenn Morris denying Matthews from close range.

The Gills keeper also held onto an Isaac Sinclair strike while Kelly pushed out a Josh Andrews shot at the other end.

The visitors levelled with 11 minutes to go and, while both sides looked for the winner, it ended with an opening day draw.