Sixth-tier Maidstone United dump Ipswich Town out of FA Cup in a shock for the ages

IPSWICH 1-2 MAIDSTONE UNITED: The sixth-tier side, managed by former Wolves player George Elokobi, are into the FA Cup fifth round after a famous win away to Championship high-flyers

Sam Corne celebrates scoring Maidstone’s second goal against Ipswich Town. (

Image: PA)

As the final whistle went at Portman Road, Maidstone United manager George Elokobi briefly looked unsure of what to do with himself.

His National League South team had just completed one of the great FA Cup shocks in recent times, dumping out Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town away, and while their players and supporters were caught up in the sheer jubilation, Elokobi took a moment to drink it all in.

You would say it does not get much better than this for a non-League side – but who are we to wonder what could happen in the fifth round.

After stepping off the bus outside Portman Road, Elokobi had addressed a gathering of Maidstone fans with a simple message. “We’re going to give it our absolute best,” he said.

No one could ask for more and on a dizzying afternoon at Portman Road, the sixth-tier side’s best was more than enough. Lamar Reynolds, a 28-year-old forward who briefly flirted with League 2 but has spent more time in the Essex Senior League, scored a brilliant opening goal with a lobbed finish at the end of a swift counterattack.

It prompted a remarkable outburst of joy from the 4,472 travelling supporters and reminded every neutral tuning in to watch that this imperfect competition must be preserved.

Up until now this season’s Cup has only had minor shocks – headlined by the Stones’ win against Stevenage – and even the staunchest defenders of tradition have been finding it harder to fight off the arguments for restructuring.

Maidstone players celebrate their opening goal against Ipswich. (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

On a weekend when Jurgen Klopp ’s bombshell has forced fresh questions over the need to protect players and managers from burnout, it is inevitable that domestic knockout competitions will be chief among those considered for trimming.

Which is why journeys such as Maidstone’s matter more than ever. Elokobi’s band of journeymen were not just representing their Kent town but every non-League player who dreams of making it big.

For all the romance, however, there is also the cold, hard reality of cash to consider. Maidstone have now banked more than £400,000 for this run. Pocket money for the Premier League giants but transformative, if spent wisely, for those operating in different worlds.

Their artificial pitch needs replacing next year and this run can enable them to lay new turf without a headache from the bank manager. Ipswich made 10 changes from Monday’s draw at Leicester. But any suggestion that Kieran McKenna’s reshuffled XI was disrespectful to Maidstone and the competition seemed daft. The Tractor Boys started like a train, determined to score a couple of early goals.

Lucas Covolan impressed in goal for Maidstone (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

But for all the neat build-up play, a combination of profligate finishing and fine goalkeeping from Lucas Covolan meant they were soon dragged into something grittier.

Brighton loanee Sarmiento hit a post. Omari Hutchinson, borrowed from Chelsea for the season, was twice denied by Covolan and had another attempt deflected on to an upright by George Fowler.

Nathan Broadhead and Sam Morsy were denied by the visiting goalkeeper, who was growing in confidence with every attempt thwarted, while an unmarked George Edmundson headed wide from four yards.

Then, approaching the half hour, Maidstone began to believe in themselves. Reynolds was flagged narrowly offside when attempting to beat a high line and the away fans immensely enjoyed the opportunity to shout “Ole” when their side put together half a dozen passes.

Goalscorer Corne led the celebrations at full-time (

Image:

Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)

And with two minutes to go until half-time, they could hardly believe their eyes as Reynolds lifted the ball into the empty net. That lead lasted 13 minutes before Sarmiento’s equaliser. Yet any idea that Maidstone would be deflated was a folly as Corne converted, allowing Covolan and his defence a chance to defend bravely.

So a run that began on September 16 with a 4-1 win away to Steyning Town, and has taken in six more wins since, will continue. And who could not want them landing a top-flight giant in the fifth round.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Clickthis link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.