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James Milner marked his 23rd birthday with two goals as Aston Villa saw off a dogged Gillingham side in a hugely entertaining FA Cup tie.

0-1 Milner 14′

1-1 Jackson 57′

1-2 Milner (pen) 78′

His first came from Adam Miller’s error but Gillingham replied well with Dennis Oli and Simeon Jackson going close.

Nathan Delfouneso wasted a great chance when he volleyed wide and was made to pay when Jackson beat marker Zat Knight to equalise on 57 minutes.

But when Miller fouled Ashley Young in the box Milner won it from the spot.

Gillingham began brightly so Villa were fortunate to go ahead on 13 minutes.

Stiliyan Petrov and Milner combined well after captain Miller lost possession on the edge of the box with Milner curling the ball into the left-hand corner.

But rather than being deflated by the early goal, Gillingham went on the attack.

Gary Mulligan served notice of intent when his twists and turns on the right wing left his marker on his backside, and fired the ball in to Oli, who shot just wide of the post, although an off-side flag would have ruled it out anyway.