Gareth Ainsworth says Gillingham were good value for their point at Accrington

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth said he had plenty of positives to take from their opening day 1-1 draw at Accrington.

Tyler Walton gave the hosts the lead in the 66th minute of the Sky Bet League Two contest with a superb solo effort where he raced into the area, beat two defenders and fired into the far corner of the net.

The Gills, who are one of the pre-season favourites, levelled 11 minutes from time when Armani Little’s curling corner was helped into the net by Stanley defender Devon Matthews.

Ainsworth said: “We had a style we wanted to employ, trying to get down the sides, and we did it well in the first half and had some decent spells.

“There was a 20-minute spell in the second half where Accrington were on top and they got their goal and we were more messy and direct.

“We made changes and they gave us the impetus. The way the lads have fought to get back in the game, it was thoroughly deserved.

“We have got a lot of positives from today and now I am looking forward to building on it.

“We have to make sure we are better at defending for that first goal and that’s a learning curve for me. We have to work on that.

“It wasn’t a game of great quality, I know we have to play more, but when you come to Accrington you know they will scrap and fight. They have some good players but you have to match the fight.

“I am proud to take a point as many teams will come here and not get anything.”

Stanley finished fourth from bottom last season and manager John Doolan has said his first task is to make sure they better that position in this campaign.

He said: “I am a little bit deflated as we probably should have won the game but I am proud of the players, getting a point out of the game in the end. They showed great character.

“At half-time I was saying about the way we played in pre-season, we played well against tough opposition and the test is can you do it when you are playing for three points?

“We showed it in flashes in the first half and looked the better team.

“I was pleased with the way we started the second half. It was a great run from Tyler and he showed power and pace and it was a quality finish. If he carries on producing that consistently he won’t be playing at this level.

“I thought we would go on and get a second but we have got to learn from the goal we gave away, it was a mistake.

“I always say, if you aren’t going to win the game then make sure you don’t lose it, so it’s a point on the board.”