Gillingham v Burton Albion
FA Cup second round
Kick-off 3pm at Priestfield
By Steve Tervet
Mark Stimson is dreaming of an away trip to Anfield or Old Trafford should Gillingham see off Burton Albion at Priestfield this afternoon.
The Gills manager, who led his side into battle against Aston Villa in last season’s third round, is hungry for more of the same this time around but insisted Albion should not be underestimated.
Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Yeovil Town saw the Gills add further gloss to their sparkling record at Priestfield this season, and they go into today’s game hot favourites to take their place in Sunday afternoon’s draw.
Stimson said: “The Aston Villa game only seems two weeks ago and it’s given me and the players a real taste for it. The place was full, the superstars were down and we gave them a good game that afternoon.
“This is a good draw for us but we’ve got to make sure we’re on the button and focused. I know a lot of Burton’s players from my non-league days and they’ve got individuals who can hurt us, given the time and space.
“Only a couple of years ago they took Manchester United to a replay so let’s not get carried away and think we’re going to walk this game, because we’re not. They’ll be coming here to cause another upset.”
Incredibly, today’s game is the eighth consecutive time Gillingham have been handed a home draw in all cup competitions. With the financial rewards for drawing a Premier League side in the third round so valuable, Stimson knows the importance of capitalising on the Priestfield factor once again.
He said: “Every year the FA Cup is crucial financially, although the club don’t budget for it, so it’s a bonus. Any money we make could be used for players but it could also help other things in the club.
“There’s no pressure, it’s a nice buzz because it can help the situation and I’m sure the chairman would love us to get through and draw a big club in the next round.
“My aim is to get through and draw Liverpool or Manchester United away in the third round. The FA Cup is still the best cup competition in the world, the rewards are fantastic for the club and for the players. We’re one game away from being in the hat with the big boys and that doesn’t come round every year.”
Stimson says no first-teamers will be rested for the game, which could see Stuart Lewis return in central midfield, while Kevin Maher, on the wrong end of a horror tackle against Yeovil, is available for selection.
POSTED: 28/11/2009 10:00:00
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