FA Cup: Saints will face Blackpool if they win replay

Brackley Town players celebrate James Armson's goal at Gillingham. Photo: Matthew Panting

Saints surrendered a two-goal lead in Saturday’s first round tie at the Sky Bet League One outfit to draw 2-2. But boss Kevin Wilkin was delighted with his side’s character in earning a replay.

Alex Gudger and a cracker from James Armson gave Saints a dream start but they were pegged back by a brace from Frank Nouble before the break. That could have set Gillingham up to complete the comeback in the second half but Saints are made of sterner stuff these days.

Wilkin said: “From the elation of being 2-0 up to the disappointment of them getting back to 2-2, the players could have let it slip but they showed great character.

“It was a fantastic second goal from James Armson and that may have been one of the reasons we conceded a goal straight after it. He ran half the length of the pitch to celebrate and the other players joined in.

“I tried to get them to focus but I’m sure they were still recovering when Gillingham caught us cold. After that, Gillingham had us on the rack for ten minutes before halftime.

“[Jay] Emmanuel-Thomas was causing us problems and we knew we had to do something about that in the second half. The fact that we went out and did so was really pleasing, and it was us who had the better chances.”