It was a magical day for Gillingham’s young striker Gerald Sithole as he struck the equalising goal at Priestfield against Cheltenham.

Mattie Pollock headed the visitors infront but Sithole came off the bench to score and send the FA Cup first round tie to a replay. Injury problems continue to mount for the Gills, however, with Robbie McKenzie, Rhys Bennett and Ryan Jackson all limping off in the game.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans was already down to the bare bones for their cup clash, naming just one senior outfield player on the bench. The Gills could have named nine substitutes but were limited to the five which included three teenagers and a goalie alongside experienced striker John Akinde.

Evans brought midfielders Dan Adshead and Ben Reeves back into the starting eleven while goalkeeper Aaron Chapman returned for cup duty.

A big Cheltenham outfit were always going to pose a threat from set-pieces and it was from one of their six first half corners which they scored from, Pollock heading in from Chris Hussey’s flag-kick, getting just enough on it to beat Ryan Jackson on the line according to the assistant referee.

There were limited clear-cut chances for the Gills, with Danny Lloyd having the best as he burst forward, fending off challenges before poking an effort at goal that was tipped around the post by keeper Scott Flinders. Later in the half Lloyd’s cross was met by Vadaine Oliver at the far post but he couldn’t get there in time to make a better contact.

Gillingham ended the half without a shot on target and Evans looked to shake things up by introducing young striker Gerald Sithole to play alongside Oliver.

Ben Reeves sent a free-kick towards the top corner early in the half but Flinders was equal to it.

Gillingham were forced to making another change when Ellis Chapman’s challenge ended Robbie McKenzie’s afternoon. Gills boss Evans didn’t hide his feelings as the Cheltenham player got away with just a yellow card.

The Gills were on level terms just before the hour mark when Jackson’s cross was too high for Oliver but just perfect for Sithole and he found the bottom corner with a well-struck finish.

Sithole was winning headers and making challenges in the Gills box late on as the game was evenly balanced.

Chris Hussey put a free-kick into the Gills wall on 90 minutes, after Jack Tucker had been penalised on the edge of the box, but an extra six were added on.

Gillingham’s young left-back Bailey Akehurst sensed glory with a stoppage-time shot from distance that thundered just wide of the upright.

Gillingham: Chapman, Jackson (Lintott 80mins), McKenzie (Akehurst 56mins), Ehmer, Bennett (Akinde 72mins) Tucker, Adshead (Sithole 46mins), Reeves, Dempsey, OIiver, Lloyd. Sub not used: Cumming.

Cheltenham: Flinders, Long, Pollock, Freestone, Blair, Hussey, Thomas, Chapman, May (Sercombe 67mins), Vassell (Crowley 77mins), Norton (Joseph 77mins). Subs not used: Evans, Williams, Horton, Barkers, Armitage.

Referee: Andy Woolmer

Attendance: 2,555 (118 away)