Gillingham boss Mark Stimson says quality and a little luck will be the difference between winning and losing Saturday's FA Cup clash with Southend.

The Gills narrowly lost at Roots Hall in League 1 last Friday but get a chance to avenge that defeat at Priestfield and bag a place in the second round.

Stimson, pictured, said: "I can’t question the boys’ commitment or effort, it’s just that little bit of quality at certain times and a little bit of luck.

"We aren’t far off and we just need to get that little bit of luck and a decision from a referee."

Stimson felt that his side were denied two goals in the league game at Southend. Firstly when Simeon Jackson looked to have bundled the ball over the line and then when John Nutter hit the net with a free-kick.

"I don’t think we got any of the luck we deserved and we scored two perfect goals," said Stimson. "Goals change games. If the Jacko one went over the line we were in the driving seat. If that was to be allowed we’re 1-0 up and the free-kick makes it 2-0."

Gillingham made it into the third round last year and enjoyed a lucrative home clash with Aston Villa. Stimson is dreaming of another money-spinning run this time around.

He said: "That helped financially and also helped the players who against a strong Premier League side knew they weren’t far short."