ALL of Gillingham's FA dreams were granted in the FA Cup, fifth round, draw which dangled the lucrative incentive of a trip to favourites Arsenal - providing they beat Bristol Rovers in the fourth round.

Gillingham make a second attempt to play Saturday's postponed tie against Rovers at Priestfield on Tuesday, February 5, knowing that victory will send them to Highbury and an estimated cash jackpot of £500,000. That figure could rise to close on £1 million should BBC television select the tie for live coverage.

Clubs whose matches are selected for live coverage in the third to sixth rounds are guaranteed £265,000. As Cup fever mounted with news of the draw, Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has begun fighting a losing battle of trying to keep everyone's feet on the ground.

"It's a marvellous draw but first we have to beat Bristol Rovers and that won't be easy," he warned. Chairman Paul Scally added: "It's a great tie but first and foremost we have a fourth round date with Bristol Rovers."

For Gillingham players Vince Bartram and Paul Shaw, the prospect of meeting Arsenal is especially significant as both are former Gunners. Shaw, who started his career at Highbury as a trainee and scored two goals in 12 first team appearances, said, after scoring the winner at Wolves in the third round: "My dream draw in the next round would be away to my old club Arsenal." Goalkeeper Bartram made 11 first team appearances for Arsenal.

Should Gillingham beat Bristol Rovers, they would be allocated in the region of 5,000 to 6,000 seats at Highbury's Clock End.

Meanwhile, Gillingham are confident that tomorrow's Nationwide League, Division 1, game against bottom club Stockport will be played.