For a spell Gillingham were living the dream at Priestfield, but in the end they bowed out of the FA Cup to Stoke City.

Danny Kedwell sent the capacity crowd into raptures after opening the scoring for The Gills, but Jon Walters and Caneron Jerome scored for Tony Pulis’ side before the break.

Robert Huth’s goal shortly after the break put the game beyond doubt, despite Gillingham throwing everything they had at the Premier League side.

In what had been built up as a mammoth tie at Priestfield, with the return of former boss Tony Pulis, the loyal fans at Priestfield gave the Stoke boss a rapturous reception for his time at the end of the 1990’s.

Pulis made the most of being back on the hallowed turf and made a distinct point of walking across the pitch to thank the fans for the reception.

The Gills fielded the expected line up, with Danny Kedwell playing up front on his own, with Matt Lawrence preferred at right back, Danny Jackman was dropped into the left back berth with Joe Martin suspended with Chris Whelpdale starting the game from the left.

With almost 10,000 fans packed into Priestfield, the game got off to a cagey start with neither side really getting to grips with things.

Stoke showed what they were all about with Rory Delap bombarding The Gills box with his trademark long throws, but it was the home side that took the lead in the 16th minute.

Danny Jackman’s cross was laid back across goal by Chris Whelpdale and there was Danny Kedwell to fire the ball home to the delight of the home faithful.

A few warning shots from Stoke proved little more than a taste of what was to come as on 34 minutes Jon Walters was played through by Kenwyne Jones and the striker made no mistake slotting the ball under Ross Flitney for 1-1.

Joy turned to despair for Gillingham nine minutes later when Rory Delap’s throw was headed on by Ryan Shawcross and there at the back post was Cameron Jerome who had the easiest of tap ins.

Needing a fast start after the break, The Gills found themselves 3-1 down just four minutes into the second half when Robert Huth headed home Wilson Palacios’ corner.

That all but ended the game there and then as Gillingham failed to find the spark needed to open up a stern Stoke defence that boasted four towering centre halves with Matt Upson and Jonathan Woodgate amonst the quartet.

Luke Rooney came closest for The Gills after coming off the bench, but saw his show palmed into the side netting by Asmir Begovic.

In the end, the game drifted to a conclusion with both sets of fans singing “There’s only one Tony Pulis.”

FULL TIME: GILLINGHAM 1-3 STOKE CITY

The Gills can now concentrate on the league after today’s disappointment and that starts next Saturday at Shrewsbury, although they might have to do it without leading scorer Danny Kedwell who cracked a rib.

Gills line up: Flitney, Lawrence (Rooney 65), Richards, Frampton, Jackman, Whelpdale, Montrose (S Payne 76), J Payne, Lee, Weston, Kedwell (Oli 63).

Subs not used: Gazzaniga, Davies, Fish, Rance.

Goal: Kedwell (16).

Booked: Lee (86).

Stoke line up: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Delap, Shotton (Whelan 52), Woodgate, Palacios (Whitehead 61), Jerome, Jones (Fuller 73), Walters.

Subs: not used: Nash, Higginbotham, Diao, Pennant.

Goals: Walters (34), Jerome (43), Huth (49).

Booked: Delap (32).

Referee: Mr Mark Halsey

Attendance: 9,872