Leeds striker Mark Viduka exacted his revenge on Gillingham as the Australian's goal guided Terry Venables' side into the last 16 of the FA Cup.

In the original fourth round tie, Viduka had been dismissed for elbowing Gills player-manager Andy Hessenthaler.

The Leeds striker is contesting that red card but in the meantime his skill and strength proved altogether too difficult to fathom for Gillingham.

Just before the hour Eirik Bakke - an unlikely strike partner for Viduka - extended Leeds' advantage, steering his header past Jason Brown from Ian Harte's free-kick.

On 86 minutes Guy Ipoua's deft lob rekindled Gills' hopes of an upset, but Leeds held on, though Hessenthaler fluffed a wonderful opportunity in stoppage time.

It was Leeds' first win since their third round victory over Scunthorpe - an interlude that has been marked by the controversial departures of Robbie Fowler and Jonathan Woodgate.

Before Ipoua's goal, Gillingham's best chance fell to Mamady Sidibe, who had scored in the 1-1 draw at Gillingham, but Paul Robinson pulled off a superb one-handed reflex save.

Sidibe was also involved in a nasty first-half collision with Lucas Radebe, which resulted in the Leeds defender having to be replaced by Michael Duberry.

That was in a rare Gillingham counter-attack in a opening half that initially saw Hessenthaler's side repel a couple of Bakke efforts.

Viduka's aim proved altogether more unerring on 11 minutes.

Radebe had to be substituted

Johnson was unable to clear Harte's cross and as the ball broke to Viduka, the Australian crashed his shot past Brown.

Viduka gave Johnson all sorts of problems and soon after his goal the Leeds striker turned inside the Gillingham defender and his fierce shot drew a fine save from Brown.

Just before the interval a lack of communication between Brown and Johnson saw the Gills keeper scuttle back to clear the ball off his line.

After falling two goals behind, Gillingham suddenly began to construct some meaningful attacks.

Sidibe's header drew a wonderful save from Robinson and Ipoua crashed his shot wide from close range.

And four minutes from time Ipoua's lob over Robinson set up that tense finale.

Leeds will play either Liverpool or Crystal Palace in the fifth round.

Leeds: Robinson, Mills, Radebe (Duberry 32), Matteo (Milner 76), Harte, Kelly, Okon, Seth Johnson, Wilcox, Viduka, Bakke.
Subs Not Used: Martyn, Burns, Simon Johnson.

Gillingham: Brown, Nosworthy, Leon Johnson, Hope, Edge, James, Hessenthaler, Southall, Perpetuini (Ipoua 71), Wallace (Tommy Johnson 71), Sidibe.
Subs Not Used: Bartram, Spiller, Awuah.

Booked: Southall, Tommy Johnson.

Attendance: 29,359

Referee: M Dean (Wirral).