Gillingham kick off their challenge tonight in a county cup competition they haven’t won since 1948. The Gills start their 2023/24 DFDS Kent Senior Cup challenge at the second round stage away to old rivals Maidstone United.
Both teams received a bye in Round One. Gillingham sold out their ticket allocation for the match at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday and the club say no tickets will be available to purchase at the ground.
The Gills will be backed by 500 fans. Since beating Gravesend & Northfleet in the 1947/48 final in Maidstone - their second win in the competition - the Gills have been losing finalists on five occasions.
A 1-0 loss to Charlton in April 2015, at Priestfield, was the last time they competed in the final. Gillingham may be better equipped for success in the competition this season after establishing a B Team, meaning Maidstone are likely to be up against a side containing young senior professionals, rather than youth players.