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

27 January 2024 , 14:30

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Sam Corne celebrates scoring Maidstone's second goal against Ipswich Town. (Image: PA)

George Elokobi’s players will dance again.

Before dumping Ipswich out of the FA Cup in a shock for the ages, Maidstone’s manager told his giantkilling heroes: “If this is the last dance, let’s go out dancing.”

Now they are dreaming of a chance to bust some moves on an even bigger stage after shocking the Championship high-flyers - and the financial rewards of an away tie at a Premier League club could be transformative for the National League South side.

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.”

No one could ask for more and, on a dizzying afternoon in Suffolk, the sixth-tier outfit's best was more than enough.

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Nevermind the fact Ipswich had 38 shots, 13 on target, and their goalkeeper Christian Walton faced only two attempts - both conceded. Maidstone did not fluke their way through. They defended wonderfully and goalkeeper Lucas Covolan produced the performance of a lifetime.

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.

And despite Ipswich levelling through Jeremy Sarmiento, Maidstone’s hero from the previous round Sam Corne proved that was no fluke by scoring another fine goal.

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.

Maidstone players celebrate their opening goal against Ipswich. (AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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 stories 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.

Lucas Covolan impressed in goal for Maidstone (AFP via Getty Images)

Their artificial pitch needs replacing next year and this run can enable them to lay new turf without a headache from the bank manager.

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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.

But for all the neat build-up play, a combination of profligate finishing and Covolan’s heroics meant they were soon dragged into a gritty encounter.

Approaching the half hour, Maidstone began to believe and the away fans grew giddy by shouting “Ole” as their side put together half a dozen passes.

Goalscorer Corne led the celebrations at full-time (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)

With two minutes to go until half-time, they could hardly believe their eyes as Reynolds lifted the ball into the empty net.

The initial lead lasted 13 minutes before Sarmiento’s equaliser. Yet Maidstone would not be deflated and Corne’s beauty allowed Covolan and his defence a chance to preserve the advantage.

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. Now Elokobi’s dancers deserve a top-flight giant.

Alan Smith