Maidstone United’s story this season is so heartening, magical and sometimes fascinating; There is a sense that George Elokobi and his team are to thank for single-handedly saving the FA Cup and reminding us of the pure charm of the cup. It certainly felt like that when Elokobi took a lap around the pitch despite a 5-0 defeat, drawing applause from all four sides of the stadium and soaking up the praise from the stands. This was largely a two-way thing.
Elokobi is seen as something of a savior given sixth-tier Maidstone’s memorable journey through the seven rounds of this competition, but around these parts Coventry have their own untouchable manager in Mark Robins, who scored a crucial win against Manchester United en route to clinching this trophy . 1990. The Robins have led Coventry through many storms and they enter Wednesday’s quarter-final draw; Ellis Simms scored a first-half hat-trick, then Fábio Tavares scored twice late to complete the rout.
Relating to: Elokobi and Maidstone still smiling after party atmosphere in Coventry
Maidstone leave with rich memories as they became the first team from outside the top five leagues to reach this stage since 1978. “How can you not enjoy this in the end?” Elokobi said the scenes were full time. “I thought Coventry’s fans were fantastic. I don’t think they supported not only Coventry but also Maidstone. No one can take this moment away from us. We have created so many beautiful moments, not just for our community but globally. We’ve inspired so many people around the world with how we did this. “For me, football wins because it brings communities together and inspires so many people around the world.”
Barely 20 minutes after starting full time, Lucas Covolan was continuing to increase his black-and-amber travel support of almost 5,000 people and starting a hymn to celebrate the end of the incredible journey. It all started in Sussex, in the second qualifying round of the Southern Combination League (the ninth tier of the football pyramid) at the 3G ground in Steyning Town. Then came wins against Winchester City and Torquay for Chesham United ahead of the first round.
It was Coventry who won this competition in 1987, with fans leaving the stadium singing about Wembley and their place in the quarter-finals secured within 34 minutes. When fourth referee Andrew Kitchen indicated there were two minutes of stoppage time in the first half, Maidstone’s players could have been forgiven for wanting to duck into the tunnel for a moment.
Elokobi encouraged his players to drink at this event and record moments to enjoy. George Fowler and Manny Duku filmed the horde of fans leading the team away from the coach. Elokobi addressed the fans on arrival, as he had done before Maidstone drew Ipswich in the previous round. Parting shot before going in? “Make some noise,” he roared, and they needed no further encouragement. The scoreline was never going to dampen their mood.
For Elokobi, belief was the buzzword on this adventure, but even he could tell the game was as good as over when Simms scored his and Coventry’s second goal in the 14th minute, connecting with Covolan’s goal. Covolan was heroic when he scored Ipswich’s goal at Portman Road and made an early save to deny Haji Wright after the USA had converted from the penalty spot, but a repeat of those heroics was always eagerly awaited. Simms poked Coventry first after receiving Kasey Palmer’s through ball and completed her hat-trick with Covolan simply pushing Palmer’s shot into her path and grabbing the rebound.
Relating to: Coventry City 5-0 Maidstone United: FA Cup fifth round – live reaction
At the start of the second half, Lamar Reynolds put the ball into the side netting for Coventry and Maidstone continued to push. The half-time arrival of Callum O’Hare, one of the most talented players outside the top-flight to replace Wright, has further increased the magnitude of the challenge facing the Kent side. Covolan appeared to have heeded Elokobi’s pre-match advice and certainly enjoyed taking Palmer aside to huge shouts from the Maidstone fans behind his goal; this was an opportunity to take a look at her Brazilian roots.
Maidstone’s support savored every corner they won. Elokobi made his first substitutions – a triple substitution – in the 70th minute and fatigue set in. At this point Maidstone knew the game was already over; Saturday’s trip to Dover Athletic, the resumption of their bid to qualify for the sixth-tier play-offs, is on their minds. Next week we host Bath City and St Albans in the hunt for promotion but they have created memories that will last a lifetime. “I apologize to everyone,” Coventry manager Robins said at the press conference with a wry smile. “Congratulations to Maidstone and George because he is doing a fantastic job.”