Gillingham head north as FA Cup underdogs but boss Martin Allen has warned his opponents that his team are capable of springing a surprise.

League 1 Preston stand between the Gills and a place in the coveted third round where the country’s leading sides await.

Allen (pictured) said: "The FA Cup is a great leveller and we’ve all seen that over the years.

"Preston are the favourites to win but we should have beaten Middlesbrough in the League Cup and they are riding up quite high in the Championship.

"With the players we have got, if they do what they are capable of, then we can cause what would be an upset.

"Preston have a lot of good players and players who have had promotions but let’s not talk about them.

"I just want to enjoy it. There will be no pressure on us for a change, there is no expectation on us to win, we are underdogs but we have some match-winners ourselves.

"Some of the players we have are dangerous and can win games. We will do everything we can to make it a great and historic occasion for our supporters. For the players to go through to the third round would be a magnificent achievement."

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