Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler praised FA Cup replay-earning striker Danny Kedwell for rescuing a draw with a last-minute goal in a 3-3 draw at Bournemouth.

Gillingham were 3-1 down with 19 minutes remaining before a goalkeeping error by Darryl Flahavan let them back in to an exciting match, but they still had plenty to do when the match went in to the last minute and a long throw from Charlie Lee caused chaos in the Bournemouth defence and Kedwell turned to score.

Hessenthaler said: “I’m pleased for Danny because he’s been playing so well lately and deserved his goal. That was the first time he’s scored away from home all season, but he’s on something of a roll at the moment and it could not have come at a better time.”

“We have tremendous spirit in the team and they showed it by coming back when we were two goals behind and running out of time.”

“Other teams might have folded at moments like that, but they kept going and I think we got what we deserved in the end.”

Indeed, Hessenthaler’s side showed great character to pull another result out of the hat and the Gills boss explained a change in shape saw them earn the replay:

“We just said to keep plugging away and we needed to improve with the ball from the first half. It was fantastic character and we changed to 4-4-2 to get a partner up there with Keds (Danny Kedwell) because we were chasing it.

“It only needed a goal and anything can happen. After last week’s game where we won 4-3 it was another crazy game. We have got characters but we lack belief at times.

“But we kept plugging away and got the second goal. I’m delighted for Danny Kedwell and it was a great finish. We’ve got ten days for them to come to Priestfield and we will see where we go from there.”

Jack Payne cancelled out Stephen Purches’ opener for the Cherries, but goals from Stephane Zubar and Scott Malone put the home side 3-1 up before Danny Jackman pulled one back for the Gills and Kedwell levelled in the final minute.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury was disappointed his side let slip a two-goal lead in the 3-3 draw.

Bradbury said: “At 3-1 I felt we were playing well enough to go on and complete the job but it was not to be. I don’t think it was easy out there for goalkeepers, which may have accounted for one or two of the mistakes, but I was disappointed we could not hold on.”

Gillingham will now fancy their chances of dumping Bournemouth out of the cup when they come to Priestfield for the replay on Tuesday 22nd November.

Either Bournemouth or Gillingham will learn their fate on Sunday afternoon when the draw is made at 2:40pm on ITV with the all important ball being number 27.