Gillingham Women booked their place in round two of the Women’s FA Cup thanks to a successful penalty shootout on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Cara Davies pulled off the crucial save in sudden death against Millwall Lionesses to send Gillingham through where they will travel to Dulwich Hamlet in the second round of the competition.

The Gills were up against lower-ranked Millwall in the opening round but the hosts - who are top of the London & South East Regional Premier Division and managed by former Gillingham boss Jack Wheeler - almost won the match in extra-time, denied by a 120th minute equaliser as the cup match ended 2-2.

Josh Oatham’s third-tier Gills took the lead at the St Paul’s Sports Ground on 19 minutes as Mel Espinosa struck from outside the box.

Millwall levelled, however, scoring direct from Jade Keogh's corner. With no further goals the match went to extra-time where the Lionesses took the lead through Lucy Jellett in the 100th minute.

Gillingham hit the woodwork and levelled at the death when substitute Kara Fordjour struck in the 120th minute.

Gillingham missed their first penalty of the shootout but then Millwall failed to score their last, taking it to sudden death. The Gills scored and Davies saved to win the penalty contest 5-4 and finally settle the tie.

In the next round Gillingham will head to Dulwich - who beat Aylesford 3-1 in the first round - on Sunday, November 27.

Elsewhere in the Women’s FA Cup, Ashford United Ladies beat Clapton Community 2-1 with Jodie Cain scoring their winning goal and earning the side a home tie with Actonians in round two.

Dartford Women are also into the second round and will host Hashtag United Women. They beat Ascot on penalties at Princes Park on Sunday. Their match ended 2-2.

Ebbsfleet United lost 2-1 in extra-time against Southampton Women.