FA CUP Gillingham 1 - 3 Stoke City

Stoke City's Robert Huth (centre) scores his side's third goal against Gillingham during the FA Cup match at Priestfield. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Last season's runners-up are up and running. Stoke arrived in Kent fearing a stern test from their in-form League Two opponents but, having survived an early scare, they sealed their place in the fourth-round draw with little fuss. Beaten by Manchester City in last May's final, Tony Pulis's men maintain hope of a return to Wembley.

That will gladden the Stoke manager but maybe not as much as this victory. Pulis has bitter history with Gillingham, having managed the club for four years before being sacked by the chairman, Paul Scally, shortly after they had lost to City in the 1999 Second Division play-off final. That resulted in a claim for unfair dismissal, an out-of-court settlement and Scally describing Pulis as "the most evil and despicable person I have ever worked with". The 53-year-old remains banned from this stadium, only able to access the dugout and the dressing room during this tie.

Pulis broke the restriction somewhat by running across the pitch before kick-off to salute the applauding Gillingham fans in the Rainham End and, ultimately, it was he who had the last laugh after Robert Huth sealed Stoke's comeback after they had gone behind to Danny Kedwell's opener.

"We started slow but gradually took over," Pulis said. "It's a free world, he [Scally] can say what he wants. But you've seen today who really counts and that's the supporters. They know the job I did here and that's what matters."

The home fans did also back a Gillingham side that showed no fear against opponents located 66 league places above them and it came as no surprise when the hosts, who are sixth in League Two, took the lead through Kedwell's low drive on 16 minutes.

The forward failed with a chance to make it 2-0 and soon after Stoke found their composure. They equalised on 34 minutes when Jonathan Walters's tame shot squirmed under Ross Flitney and took the lead just before half-time through Cameron Jerome.

Huth headed in the third shortly after the interval and while Gillingham did not lose heart, there was little chance of them causing a shock thereafter. "I'm proud of the boys," said Andy Hessenthaler, the Gillingham manager. "They came out with credit against a strong Premier League side."