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Manager Andy Hessenthaler believes Gillingham can cause an upset in the FA Cup third round against Stoke City

Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis

By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler believes his team could produce an even bigger FA Cup shock after being drawn at home against Premier League Stoke in the third round.

After the 1-0 win against League 1 Leyton Orient on Saturday, Hessenthaler will be up against the man who brought him to Priestfield as a player in 1996. Tony Pulis (pictured), the Stoke manager, is revered among Gillingham fans after four successful seasons at the helm.

Reacting to the draw, Hessenthaler said: "We are happy enough with the draw. Perhaps everyone would have liked one of the real big boys like Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea and look for a money spinner but I am sure we will have a big crowd at Priestfield.

"It’s not going to be an easy game but we certainly won’t be making it easy for them either.

"The pressure is all on them with them being a Premier League team. We have a chance. We are at home, it’s the FA Cup and there are always shocks in the FA Cup. Hopefully we can be the team that creates that shock.

"We will look forward to it when it comes along. Anything can happen on the day. If we can play to our maximum and catch them on an off-day then who knows?"

Hessenthaler’s side are set to face Stoke on Saturday, January 7. The original planned fixture, against Rotherham in League 2, will be rearranged for a later date.

How do you rate Gillingham's chances against Stoke? Have your say below.

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