Football fans are getting ready for Gillingham’s big cup clash this weekend.

The Gills take on Aston Villa at Priestfield on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

More than 11,000 people will make their way to the ground for the club’s first sell-out match since 11,418 fans crammed in to watch the club’s Championship clash with West Ham in September 2002.

It is the first time a top flight team has played in a cup competition at Priestfield since Gillingham played Portsmouth in the League Cup in September 2005.

But it has been many more years since the Gills last faced Villa, who are currently fourth in the Premier League.

The two clubs have only met once at Priestfield. That was during the 1970/71 season when the Gills were in Division 3.

Despite support from 10,812 fans the game ended 0-0.

There was misery to follow as Gillingham finished bottom of the table that season. Supporters across the Towns and beyond are hoping they will do better this time.

The Gills can expect a £250,000 cash bonanza whatever the result of the game.

Paul Clark, MP for Gillingham, said: “Being a lifelong Gills fan I wish the team every success against the Villa.

“It would be great for the club and great for the town if they won.

Kent-born Len Goodman, star judge of the BBC’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing, has also wished the club well.

He said: “I think it’s great for teams like Gillingham to get a top team to play against, not only financially but also the excitement of it and the anticipation of seeing how they do against one of the top clubs in Britain. I think it’s really great.”

Support has also come from Greg Dyke, former director general of the BBC and chairman of fellow League Two side Brentford FC.

He said: “I’d quite like the Gills to have a long FA Cup run so they get lost a bit, because they’re up there with us challenging for promotion.

"But in all seriousness I really do wish them well.”