Maidstone's dream FA cup run comes to an end

Sixth-tier side Maidstone United exceeded expectations in their first FA Cup run in four years – bowing out to Coventry City in the fifth round. George Elokobi’s men can return to Kent with heads held high as they seek promotion back to the National League. 

Championship play-off hopefuls Coventry City proved too strong for the Kent side with Ellis Simms securing a first-half hat-trick and Fabio Tavares adding a brace to the scoreline in the final minutes. A 5-0 win at home for The Sky Blues brought an expected victory, with Coventry going into the tie as strong favourites.  

Maidstone had already seen off English Football League sides Barrow, Stevenage, and Ipswich Town; additionally beating Chesham United 2-0 in the first round. An away win against Ipswich saw Maidstone become the first team outside of the top five divisions to reach the fifth round in 46 years, since Blyth Spartans managed the feat in 1978. 

Coventry City dominated proceedings throughout the match; 70% possession and 26 shots – 15 of which were on target. Maidstone’s chances were few and far between with Liam Sole slicing wide in the 26^th minute after a threatening cross that challenged the Coventry defence. Lamar Reynolds came closest in the 52^nd minute but the ball could only meet the side netting. The Stones ended the match with a total of 3 shots – none of which were on target. Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson’s game was a quiet one, not needing to make a single save for the entirety of the match.  

4,800 travelling fans made the 300-mile round trip and were greeted with applause from the Maidstone squad led by manager George Elokobi. The away end remained in full voice regardless of the scoreline – making the most of their magical cup run.  

Elokobi praised his players for their performance once the final whistle blew; “They gave their all today, that’s all I can ask. It was not enough but massive congratulations to all our boys and fans.” 

Lower league teams cherish cup runs and Maidstone United are no exception. Formerly a member of the English Football between 1989 and 1992, they were forced into liquidation and had to rebuild the club around their youth team. The prize money earnt from their efforts this season will give a well-deserved cash injection to the club. The Stones now look to reset and focus on their league fixtures, sitting just outside the play-off positions with 11 games left to play this season.