Gillingham came agonisingly close to a lucrative FA Cup draw against Premier League champions Manchester United on Sunday.

The Gills had a one in three chance of facing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side after both clubs were in the last four teams to be drawn out of the hat for the third round.

But dreams of a trip to Old Trafford were dashed when Gillingham were drawn away to either League 2 Accrington or Barnet on January 2.

Gillingham made it into the third round after beating Burton 1-0 on Saturday, while Barnet scored a late equaliser to send their tie with Accrington to a replay at Underhill.

Gills boss Mark Stimson, pictured, had his fingers crossed for a money-spinning FA Cup tie with United but is looking on the bright side and hoping to make it into the fourth round.

He said: “I think everyone wanted Manchester United, home or away, and I’m sure Accrington and Barnet were hoping for the same.

“We’ve been spoilt previously, drawn some big teams and had some good games. Like a lot of people, you look at that draw and think ‘argh’. Financially that would have been great.

“Now we’ve got a chance to progress to the next round and the opportunity to pull a big team."

Saturday’s win over Burton banked the Gills £27,000 in prize money.

“That pot could help us in many ways and it all mounts up,” said Stimson.

“When it comes to January when there might be a need to improve the group in certain positions this can only help."

A win in the third round would pocket the Gills £67,500.