History repeated itself for non-league Brackley as Jimmy Armson’s hat-trick helped them knock Gillingham out of the FA Cup first round in a 4-3 replay win after extra time.
It marks the second time in four seasons that Gills have been humiliated by the Northamptonshire side, who also eliminated them at the same stage in 2013.
Armson was the hero for the Vanarama National League North side, opening the scoring in the 17th minute from close range after Steve Diggin had headed a free-kick into his path.
Nine minutes later the Saints doubled their advantage when Diggin played a ball across the face of goal for Armson to slide in at the back post.
Jake Hessenthaler pulled one back for the visitors before the interval, firing in from a tight angle after the goalkeeper Laurie Walker had saved Bradley Dack’s shot.
Scott Wagstaff equalised in the second half, just moments after his introduction from the bench, poking in after the goalkeeper had pushed out Cody McDonald’s cross.
An own goal from the Gills goalkeeper Stuart Nelson restored the home side’s advantage six minutes into extra-time when a corner crept in at the near post. And Armson completed his hat-trick shortly after, curling an effort into the corner.
McDonald ensured a nervous finish with eight minutes to go, seizing on a defensive error and rounding the keeper to tap into an empty net. However, Gillingham could not force an equaliser.
Brackley Town line up: L Walker, Myles, Gudger, Byrne, Graham, Dean, G Walker, Armson, Ndlovu (Lowe 104), Diggin (Moyo 89), A Walker.
Subs not used: Pitt, Cox, Farrell, Rankin, Noon.
Goals: Armson (17, 26, 105), Nelson (96 og).
Booked: Myles (86), Gudger (92), Armson (115).
Gillingham line up: Nelson, Jackson, Garmston (Wagstaff 66), Oshilaja, Ehmer, Hessenthaler, Herd (Wright H/T), Knott, Dack (Donnelly 64), McDonald, Emmanuel-Thomas.
Subs not used: Hadler, Osadebe, Pask, Byrne.
Goals: Hessenthaler (36), Wagstaff (67), McDonald (113).
Booked: Wagstaff (110), Wright (115).
Referee: Mr Robert Jones
Attendance: 1,654 (93 Gills)