It’s one game at a time for Gills boss Steve Lovell in the FA Cup.

Gillingham have been dealt a favourable hand in the draw, with non-league opponents Slough or Sutton awaiting in round two.

But first the Gills must go to Hartlepool – another non-league side – on Wednesday night and do the job which they couldn’t finish at Priestfield.

Lovell said: “We have to win and we don’t look at that (round two draw) until we win this one on Wednesday, that is the most important thing. I am not even looking at that.

“We have to put in a performance and win the game, then worry about the next one. They will be in the same mental state as us, wanting to win the game and get into the next round.

“It’s going to be difficult, it’s a hard game and we have to be on our mettle.”

Hartlepool, who play two divisions below in the National League, held the Gills to a goalless draw at Priestfield and now have home advantage.

Recent history isn’t on Lovell’s side. The Gills have lost their last five away FA Cup fixtures, including defeats to lower-league sides Carlisle, Stevenage and Brackley Town – twice.

Their last away win in the FA Cup was against Leyton Orient in the 2011/12 season, winning 1-0, to set up a third round meeting against Stoke.

“It will be a tough game,” said Lovell. “It will be a cold night up at Hartlepool but we have to be prepared.

"If we perform like we did Saturday we won’t have a problem.

“We are going up on Wednesday, it will change it a little bit for us but there are no excuses, it is another game of football. It will change the routine a bit, but so what?

"We are professional footballers and we get on and do it.

“If they play the same way and sit behind the ball, we have plans to remedy that. If they don’t then we play our normal game and we will go and attack, try and put them under pressure and take the chances when the come along.”

If Gillingham beat Hartlepool then their second round clash will be played on Sunday, December 2. Slough play Sutton on Tuesday night and the round two match has been chosen by the BBC for extended highlights. The kick-off will be at 2pm.