National League South Maidstone United put themselves deeper into FA Cup folklore by dumping out the Championship high-flyers in front of 4,472 jubilant travelling fans at a packed Portman Road.
Lamar Reynolds’ gorgeous finish put the Step 2 side ahead at the break only to be cancelled out by Jeremy Sarmiento’s deflected leveller.
But, on 66 minutes, Sam Corne swept in a composed finish to send the sixth-tier Stones on their way to yet more history as the lowest-ranked side to reach the fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
Boss George Elokobi told Maidstone fans who gathered to greet their team’s arrival to enjoy every minute of the day. They did that and more.
At times in the final stages, their players were strewn around the pitch nursing cramp as they chased down every blue shirt and stretched every muscle to keep them at bay.
The Stones’ FA Cup adventure started in September at Steyning Town Community with a 4-1 win. Since then they’ve seen off Winchester City, Torquay and Chesham before an EFL double in League Two Barrow and League One Stevenage. And now Ipswich Town, a team who could be playing Premier League football next season under their esteemed young boss Kieran McKenna.
This story is from the January 28, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 28, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCOPES IS AIMING TO UPSET 'EM ALL AGAIN!
DANNY Scopes has challenged his Aveley side to continue proving their doubters wrong by targeting another National League South promotion push next season.
WOOD LURE BOSS ROSS
ROSS Jenkins has promised to bring fresh energy to relegated Boreham Wood - and wants them to embrace the challenge of a National League South promotion push.
QUICK SANDY STEPPING UP!
UPBEAT Spalding United boss Elliot Sandy is backing his promotion-winning troops to rise to the challenge of Step 3 football next term.
REBELS HAVE A REY OF LIGHT!
NEIL Reynolds hailed ‘unplayable’ Aaron Bennett after the 20-year-old inspired FC United to their second Fenix Trophy success in three years.
HELPING CLUBS TO BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE
FROM Enfield Town to the new East Thurrock with AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester among those in between, the community ownership model has been around now for almost 25 years.
I'VE GUTT A GOOD FEELING!
New boss aims to roll on with Rebels
OUR TIME TO TAKE A BOW
RELIEVED boss James Collins admits that earning promotion with Bowers & Pitsea feels like 'redemption'.
LIGHTS, CAMERAS AND ACTION!
WHAT do you get when you mix a passion for football, a desire to help young people achieve their dreams, a highly-rated Non League footballer, a successful City businessman and a Hollywood star? According to Integral Sports Management (ISM)-a relatively young agency that are beginning to make their mark on the Non-League game and beyond - it adds up to the recipe for success.
MITCH HAS GOT THE GLORY ITCH
AMBITIOUS Mitch Austin reckons he's gone from heartbreak to euphoria in the closing weeks of another successful season at Harborough Town.
DISCOVERING A WELSH WONDER
I'VE not been to Wales lately and it's starting to become an itch. There are some stunning grounds to visit across the Principality, so I feel like I'm missing out somewhat.
