GILLINGHAM go into Saturday's FA Cup, third round, tie against Premiership side Charlton at Priestfield with history firmly stacked against them.

Charlton will be defending a 100 per cent record against their neighbours who have not beaten them since the Second World War.

The two clubs last met in a competitive match in 1981 when goals from Paul Walsh and Kevin Smith gave Charlton a 2-1 win on their way to promotion from Division 3.

But the south London club's boss Alan Curbishley insists he is paying no attention to history. He said: “I go down to Priestfield pretty regularly and I know Gillingham are a good Division 1 side. Home advantage will help them but we have a good away record this season so it might not work against us."

He stressed: “With so many of our supporters coming from the Medway and Maidstone areas we’re assured of a good following, which will be important.”

Should a replay be necessary, it will be at The Valley on Tuesday, January 13, kick-off 8pm.