Darren Oldaker’s terrific goal was enough for League One Gillingham to avoid an FA Cup second-round upset against non-league Slough Town.

Oldaker struck a thundering 30-yard effort early in the second half after National League South club Slough had enjoyed the better of the chances.

The hosts responded well to falling behind and forced a succession of chances, but could not find a way past Gillingham goalkeeper Tomas Holy.

In the first half, striker Matt Stevens saw his overhead kick sail just over the crossbar, while late on substitute Manny Williams was unable to find a telling touch in a scramble in the six-yard box.

It was the second time in as many seasons Slough had been knocked out by a League One side in the second round.

They made a better account of themselves this time compared with a 4-0 home defeat by Rochdale last year.

Gillingham progressed to the third round for the first time in six seasons and Oldaker’s goal gave Slough keeper Jack Turner no chance as it swerved away from him into the far-right corner.

Tom Eaves laid the ball across to the midfielder, who struck it sweetly with his right foot for the game’s only goal.

As Gillingham now wait to see who they draw in the Third Round on Monday evening, Steve Lovell’s side will switch their attention back to the league with a trip to Scunthorpe to come on Saturday.

 

Slough Town line up: Turner, Jackman, Wells, S Togwell, Nisbet (Dunn 81), L Togwell, Dobson, Davies, Flood (Williams 70), Stevens, Harris (Soares 87).

Subs not used: Smart, Fraser, Scott.

Booked: Wells (7).

Gillingham line up: Holy, Fuller (O’Neill 74), Ogilvie, Ehmer, Zakuani, Oldaker, Byrne, Parrett (Garmston 62), List (Charles-Cook 80), Eaves, Parker.

Subs not used: Hadler, Lacey, Hanlan, Rees.

Goal: Oldaker (48).

Booked: Ehmer (24), List (46), Parker (95).

Referee: Mr Chris Sarginson

Attendance: Not given

Picture supplied by Kent Pro Images.