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.
Follow live updates on tonight’s FA Cup action below and get the latest FA Cup odds and tips here.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
64 mins: Save by Covolan! Palmer would deserve a goal tonight but he is denied by the Maidstone goalkeeper, who springs to his left to keep out Palmer’s curling strike from the edge of the box.
Coventry are meanwhile preparing a triple change, with Simms replaced having scored his hat-trick.
Palmer and Torp are also replaced, with Matt Godden, Josh Eccles and Milan van Ewijk on in their place.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
58 mins: The biggest cheer of the night from the Maidstone end as Covolan beats two Coventry players - Palmer and Simms - after a passback!
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
55 mins: Another corner kick for Maidstone, and this is almost dangerous. It’s hung up to Greenidge again and this time his header is put back across goal - but there’s no one there for Maidstone to finish!
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
51 mins: Chance! Better again from Maidstone! Reynolds shows his electric pace to burst into the box, but he can only find the side-netting with his shot!
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
50 mins: Maidstone win their first corner! It’s hung up to the back post and towards Greenidge, but the big centre-back is unable to head it back into a dangerous area as Coventry clear.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
48 mins: Almost an immediate impact from O’Hare, as he cuts inside the box and strikes at goal on his right foot.
But it’s straight at Covolan and the keeper saves.
Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
Back underway! One changes for the hosts as Callum O’Hare replaces Wright.
HALF TIME! Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
Maidstone will need to stick together if they are going to keep Coventry at bay in the second half.
A couple of the goals were of their own making.
HALF TIME! Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United
Maidstone had hoped this would be a night to remember - instead, it’s Ellis Simms who has stolen the show with a first-half hat-trick.
The Championship side are cruising towards the quarter-final and George Elokobi has the biggest team talk of his live to keep the sixth-tier side in this.
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