“I’m going to kill you!” - that was Steve Evans’ message to the man responsible for handing the Gills one of the toughest draws they could get in round one of the FA Cup.

Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford pulled Gillingham out in Monday’s draw to face League 1 high-flyers Sunderland away from home.

With tongue in cheek, Evans responded to the draw, by saying: “I was really pleased! If I want someone away, I want Sunderland don’t I?

“They won by five on Tuesday (at home to Tranmere Rovers) and they have a new manager (in Phil Parkinson), a good manager in my opinion. He will turn them around a bit and get them going.

“That is really terrific, so well done the cup draw people! I know (Jermaine) and I am going to kill him, but he did score for Leeds against Man United!”

The date of the match has now been confirmed for Saturday, November 9, with a 1pm kick off.

The earlier than normal start time is for security reasons. Sunderland’s rivals Newcastle are in action that day, playing Bournemouth at 3pm.

Gillingham fans will have an early start if they want to watch the match at the Stadium of Light but match tickets are cheap, priced at £10 for adult and £5 concessions.

National League Dover were drawn against Gills’ League 1 rivals Southend at home and their match has been picked for live TV coverage.

Sol Campbell will be in the visitors’ dugout after being named Shrimpers’ new manager on Tuesday, watching as his new team got hammered 7-1 at home to Doncaster.

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