Tony Pulis made a happy return to his old club as his Stoke City side ran out 3-1 winners over Gillingham.
It was Gillingham, however, who made the better start to the game, taking a 1-0 lead thanks to a Danny Kedwell strike in the 15th minute from a cross by Danny Jackman.
Gillingham dominated the opening 30 minutes but Stoke managed to get themselves back into the game with their first shot on target. Cameron Jerome slotted in to John Walters who struck the shot from 18 yards and went under goalkeeper Ross Flitneyon at 34 minutes.
Stoke then took the lead just before half time from a Rory Delap throw, which was headed onto the bar by Ryan Shawcross before Jerome volleyed into the back of the net from close range.
Stoke began the second half attacking the home side and a third goal came courtesy of a Robert Huth header in the 49th minute from a Wilson Palacios corner.
The Potters saw out the game to head into the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Sam Hughes
