Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Gillingham: Scott Kashket's injury time equaliser earns replay

Gillingham avoided an FA Cup upset as Scott Kashket's injury-time equaliser earned them a second-round draw with non-league Dagenham & Redbridge.

It looked like the League Two strugglers were sunk 10 minutes from time when their two centre-halves failed to deal with home substitute George Saunders' long ball and Josh Walker pounced to finish coolly.

But, two minutes into stoppage time, Jordan Green got round the back and Gills sub Kashket smashed the ball into the roof of the net to earn the Kent side a replay - and a place in Monday's third-round draw.

In a quiet first half at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, a flashing effort from Junior Morias, tipped round the post by Gills keeper Jake Turner, was the best effort from either side.

Walker also went close for the National League promotion hopefuls before skipper Matt Robinson slammed his effort into the side netting following a corner just before the interval.

Gillingham improved in the second period, with shots from Lewis Walker and Robbie McKenzie thwarted by saves from home keeper Elliot Justham.

But the trickery of Myles Weston and constant threat from Morias kept Daggers on the front foot - and they always looked the more likely side to break the deadlock.

They finally found a way through when Saunders had an effect just two minutes after coming on, supplying the lofted pass which Walker ran onto before slipping the ball into the bottom right corner.

But Gillingham, 23rd in League Two, kept on believing and, despite having barely posed a threat, Kashket had the final word from close range with only his third goal of the season.

Gillingham boss Neil Harris told BBC Radio Kent:

"The most important thing is to be in the draw. (But) Last thing we need is a replay - that was our 28th game of the season, that's a joke. By the time we play the replay it'll be our 30th game.

"Did we deserve a replay? I'm not sure about that, I thought Dagenham were the better team. First half was even, but in the second we were poor quality at times.

"Kash spends too much time outside the penalty area for me. I'm pleased he's come on and had an impact, but it took us till 75 minutes to really get going and that's not really acceptable."

Dagenham & Redbridge manager Daryl McMahon:

"We probably dropped a little bit too deep towards the end but that sometimes happens in cup ties when you are 1-0 up, although I don't think we were hanging on.

"I don't think Gillingham created much apart from the goal so that is disappointing for us but I'd be more disappointed if I was Gillingham.

"We know now we have to go to Gillingham and put on a performance again. We know it will be a tough game but then they know that as well."