Coventry v Maidstone LIVE: FA Cup result and final score as non-league side thrashed in fifth round
Coventry 5-0 Maidstone: There would be no repeat upset from the sixth-tier underdogs as the Championship side progressed to the quarter-finals, with Ellis Simms scoring a hat-trick
Ellis Simms ended Maidstone’s FA Cup fairytale as his first-half hat-trick helped fire Coventry City into the quarter-finals. The striker’s treble and Fabio Tavares’ late double sent the Sky Blues into the last eight for the first time since 2009 after a 5-0 win.
It was a disappointing climax to the Stones’ historic Cup run, which had seen them win seven ties - including knocking out Barrow, Stevenage and Ipswich - to become the first team outside the top five divisions to reach the fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
George Elokobi’s National League South side became heroes following their fourth-round win at Portman Road but there was never any danger of a repeat at Coventry. The Sky Blues were determined to avoid suffering the same fate as their Championship rivals, with Mark Robins’ men rampant, and Maidstone outclassed and outgunned.
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FULL TIME! Coventry 5-0 Maidstone United
George Elokobi’s National League South side became heroes following their fourth-round win at Portman Road but there was never any danger of a repeat at Coventry.
The Sky Blues were determined to avoid suffering the same fate as their Championship rivals, with Mark Robins’ men rampant from the start and 2-0 up inside 15 minutes.
Haji Wright forced Lucas Covolan into early action before Ellis Simms fired them into a ninth-minute lead.
Reiss Greenidge’s loose pass was seized on by Liam Kelly and he found Kasey Palmer to slip in Simms, who confidently beat Covolan.
The striker then netted his fourth goal in four games six minutes later, again combining with Palmer to drill in a low angled effort from 15 yards.
Maidstone, who lost 2-0 to Aveley on Saturday to leave them eighth in National League South, were outclassed and outgunned.
Maidstone outclassed by Coventry as FA Cup run ends with thrashing
Coventry 5-0 Maidstone: Ellis Simms scored a hat-trick to defeat the sixth-tier side
FULL TIME! Coventry 5-0 Maidstone United
George Elokobi, speaking to ITV: “Immensely proud of the players. Congratulations to Coventry. Best luck to them in the next round.
“They gave their all today, that’s all I can ask. It was not enough but massive congratulations to all our boys and fans.
“The magic of the FA Cup is still alive. We knew we were never going to win it but this is what it is all about, playing against a great Championship side in a fantastic arena.”
FULL TIME! Coventry 5-0 Maidstone United
There are nice scenes at full-time as the Maidstone players go over to the away end to thank the travelling fans. A night to remember, despite the scoreline, for everyone involved in the club.
Maidstone were outclassed tonight but they are still making the most of it.
FULL TIME! Coventry 5-0 Maidstone United
Coventry put an end to Maidstone’s incredible FA Cup run. There would be no repeat of their heroics against Ipswich as the sixth-tier side were well beaten by Championship opposition.
Ellis Simms scored a first-half hat-trick and Fabio Tavares scored twice late on as the hosts booked their place in the quarter-finals.
GOAL! Coventry 5-0 Maidstone United (TAVARES 90+2’)
Ah, Tavares grabs his second in quick succession, and this is unfortunate for the sixth-tier side. The otherwise excellent Covolan spills and Tavares taps in.
The celebration is a bit overkill, but fine. Coventry are heading into the quarter-finals with a 5-0 win.
GOAL! Coventry 4-0 Maidstone United (TAVARES 88’)
Coventry make it four! And it’s a smart finish from the lively Tavares. A clever run in behind from the forward, who then guides his shot past Covolan for just his second Coventry goal. Tavares has made the most of his opportunity tonight.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
84 mins: Coventry could well be the only Championship team to make the quarter-finals.
Blackburn, Leeds, Southampton and Leicester all face Premier League opposition - even if Leeds and Leicester are flying this season.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
76 min: Tavares and Eccles try their luck from range, with Covolan getting his hands behind the latter. The goalkeeper has had another good game, following his heroics at Ipswich.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
73 mins: Well, this one has rather petered out after Simms’s first-half hat-trick and Coventry are cruising through this second half.
Tomorrow we’ll have Newcastle’s trip to Blackburn, a must-win for Eddie Howe given how their league campaign has unravelled, while holders Manchester City are at Luton.
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