Stimson hoped for easier Cup draw

Stimson took his side back into League One with promotion last season

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has admitted he had hoped for an easier draw than League One rivals Southend in the first round of the FA Cup.

"It's a home tie so we're pleased with that because this season we've done better at home than away," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent.

"It could have been kinder, we could have got a lower team than Southend."

The two sides will meet twice in nine days, starting this Friday in the league and then 7 November in the Cup.

"The crazy thing is our next league game is this Friday away at Southend, so by the time the next weekend comes round it's game on in the FA Cup," added Stimson.

"It's a great competition, we'd like to progress as far as we can in it, this tie gives us that chance.

"They've been a good team over the last few years. I actually played for Southend many years ago and enjoyed my time there as a player and I always look out for their result.

"It'll be a tough game, but a good one and it's a chance to progress, we've got to take that chance and on our pitch.

"The way we've performed this season, with the backing of the supporters, we'll give it the best go we can.

"There's a couple of boys who will be pleased because they played at Southend - Simon Royce, Mark Bentley, Kevin Maher - and that always adds that little edge."