FA CUP: Brackley hoping history repeats itself as they head to Gillingham

Three years ago, at this stage of the competition, Saints drew at Gillingham before going on to beat them 1-0 in the replay thanks to Glenn Walker’s first half goal.

And last season, Saints fought back to draw 2-2 with Newport County to earn a replay.

Justin Edinburgh’s Gillingham have lost four of their last seven Sky Bet League One outings and are without a victory in any competition since September.

They are one point outside the relegation zone following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Fleetwood Town.

And Saints boss Kevin Wilkin said: “Things have to go our way on the day.

“Gillingham are two divisions above us and they are a pro club, training every day.

“But they are on a poor run and will be under pressure to get a good result in the cup.

“I’ve known Justin Edinburgh for a long time and came up against him when I was manager at Nuneaton and he was at Newport County.

“He will have them well organised but if we play to the level I know we can, then we could get a result.

“All I want is for us to produce a good performance, it’s a good ground and an excellent surface.”

In contrast to Gillingham, Brackley go into this weekend’s tie in great form, having secured a superb 3-1 win at FC Halifax Town last weekend.

Two goals from Lee Ndlovu and one from Steve Diggin made it three successive wins for the Saints.

And Wilkin said: “We changed the shape at half-time.

“We were competitive in the first half but did not ask enough of Halifax, we needed to get Glenn (Walker) further forward and to give their midfield much more to think about.

“I was delighted with the players’ response at half-time, there is a maturity and football intelligence in the dressing room. They knew what was needed, it came from the players, we discussed it and they went out and did it.”