Swindon Town midfielder Gavin Kilkenny is not ready to give up on the playoffs just yet, despite a disappointing draw with struggling Accrington Stanley, reports The Swindon Advertiser.
The Robins have had an upturn in form since the appointment of Ian Holloway in October.
Disappointing Draw
Those slim hopes of making the top seven were dealt another blow yesterday with a fourth draw in a row at home to Accrington Stanley.
Holloway’s men have suffered just one defeat in 12 games but have drawn five of those. Saturday’s result was only the second time Town have failed to score at home all season but leaves them 11 points off the playoffs with only eight matches remaining.
Irish midfielder Kilkenny believes his side were the ones most likely to collect the three points.
“It is a shame that we didn’t get the three points because I think that we probably had the better chances and things.”
“It felt a little bit like they came here happy to get a point.”
“We are obviously disappointed not to win, but we know it was a good performance and so we are not too down about it.”
Not Giving Up
Despite the gap and the season nearing its close, Kilkenny insists the squad will keep believing and not give up on their playoff dreams.
Swindon started the season under the former Lincoln City manager Mark Kennedy before he was relieved of his duties following a poor start. Kilkenny believes the squad should have done better.
“It is a shame because we look at it now as a squad and know that we should be up there.”
“But, obviously, we didn’t start as well as we could have this season.”
“It is now just about taking every game at a time and see how many we can win and how close we can get.”
“Of course, it is frustrating that we didn’t find this form quicker but that is just what happens.”
“It just took a little bit longer than we probably wanted to gel.”
“But you never know, hopefully, we can finish strong and then going into next season, if we don’t get in the playoffs, then we will be ready to go and we can be right up there in the playoff spots or above.”
Writer’s View
The impact of Ian Holloway at Swindon has been superb and the very real early-season threat of relegation was squashed comfortably.
You have to admire Kilkenny’s confidence but the remaining eight look more likely to be a chance to prepare for next season than a realistic assault on the top seven.
