Maidstone’s FA Cup Journey Last Season Serves as ‘Inspiration,’ Says Manager Elokobi

Manager George Elokobi states that Maidstone’s notable journey to the FA Cup fifth round last season, under his leadership, serves as an inspiration for the club’s recently acquired players. Maidstone was eliminated by Coventry in that round. The National League South team achieved the distinction of being the lowest-ranked side in 46 years to advance to the last 16, a feat accomplished by defeating Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town in the fourth round. Their progression, which began in the second round of qualifying, garnered national attention and brought them within two matches of a Wembley semi-final appearance. The Stones’ campaign concluded with a 5-0 defeat by Championship club Coventry City, with Ellis Simms scoring a hat-trick. Coventry City subsequently experienced semi-final disappointment, losing a penalty shootout to Manchester United, who were the eventual winners of the competition. Elokobi informed BBC Radio Kent, stating: “The new players we recruited in the summer knew about the history we created and wanted to be part of it.” He added, “It’s an inspiration and it motivates them to want to do well in the FA Cup competition this season.” Sam Corne, pictured second from left, registered goals in the second, third, and fourth rounds of Maidstone’s FA Cup campaign. Victories on the road against Steyning Town, Winchester City, and Torquay United secured the Stones’ entry into the draw for the first round last season. A 2-0 triumph at Chesham United led to their initial home fixture against Barrow at Gallagher Stadium. In that match, Sam Corne and Bivesh Gurung scored in a 2-1 comeback win, propelling the Kent-based club to the third round for the first time ever. Corne converted a penalty to secure a 1-0 victory against Stevenage, thereby arranging a fourth-round encounter at Portman Road with Ipswich. Corne once more found the net as Maidstone achieved a 2-1 upset against a team positioned 98 places higher in the football pyramid, marking one of the most significant FA Cup shocks in history and making them the lowest-ranked team to reach the last 16 since Blyth Spartans in the 1977-78 season. However, a journey to Coventry for the fifth round ultimately proved insurmountable, as they were decisively defeated by their Championship adversaries, though the Stones had already secured their historical standing. Lamar Reynolds put Maidstone ahead during their surprising win at Ipswich last season. This season, the Stones have defeated Hampton and Richmond Borough, Herne Bay, and Ebbsfleet United to again qualify for the first round proper, where they are scheduled to play away against National League side Solihull Moors on Saturday. Maidstone enters the match positioned 15th in the National League South, having remained unbeaten in their previous five league fixtures. Former Wolves defender Elokobi commented: “There’s no pressure for our players to go out and reproduce what we did last season.” He continued, “We’re playing a game against a team from the above division, so we know it will be a tough game.” He concluded, “It doesn’t matter whatever draw you get at this stage of the competition, everyone is getting in the first round proper by merit.” Solihull is currently one point and one position outside the play-off spots, having been defeated by Bromley in a penalty shootout in last season’s National League promotion final. Elokobi further stated: “Solihull Moors is a good team, I think it’s a good draw for us.” He elaborated, “No opposition is an easier draw or is going to be a pushover; you have to earn the right to be able to get in the second round.” He also remarked, “I’m expecting a tough test because they have some really good players in their squad who can hurt you individually but also collectively. They’re a good side, they’ve been playing well.” He concluded, “There’s no reason to be scared, we have to go there with confidence.”