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.
GOAL! Coventry 3-0 Maidstone United (SIMMS 35’)
A first-half hat-trick for Ellis Simms! Maidstone’s journey looks like it’s ending here.
Once again, Palmer plays a huge part in the goal. He catches a superb volley from all of 30 yards that zips along the surface. Covolan gets across but can only palm it so far - Simms is waiting and taps in for his third goal of the evening.
A first senior hat-trick for the 23-year-old.
Coventry 2-0 Maidstone United
33 mins: Greenidge topples Tavares with a crunching tackle, but the Coventry winger is back up after hobbling away.
Coventry 2-0 Maidstone United
29 mins: Tavares drags a long-range volley wide of the target. Coventry’s front-four have been on it tonight, looking very sharp. It’s been difficult for Maidstone to contain them.
Coventry 2-0 Maidstone United
26 mins: The wind has been taken out of Maidstone’s sails but they know the next goal is crucial.
The visitors get their first shot on goal as the ball breaks to Sole as the back-post. He cuts inside but can’t whip his foot around the ball to get it back inside the far post.
Coventry 2-0 Maidstone United
21 mins: Palmer has been a class above for Coventry so far, finding dangerous pockets of space. Covolan is worried for a moment as the ball deflects off a Maidstone defender and over his own bar.
Coventry 2-0 Maidstone United
Two quality finishes from Simms.
GOAL! Coventry 2-0 Maidstone United (SIMMS 14’)
Disaster for Maidstone again! Coventry double their lead and it’s a long way back now!
It’s almost a repeat of the first goal, as Palmer is given too much space and time on the edge of the box. He threads another ball through to Simms and the strikes buries his first low and hard past Covolan, who had no chance.
Maidstone have been undone twice in the opening 15 minutes.
Coventry 1-0 Maidstone United
13 mins: Good response from Maidstone! Reynolds gets to the byline and whips in a couple of dangerous crosses. Joel Latibeaudiere has to defend well at his back post.
GOAL! Coventry 1-0 Maidstone United (SIMMS 9’)
An early blow for Maidstone as Coventry take the lead!
Maidstone give the ball away cheaply in midfield and Coventry are clinical. Kasey Palmer slips a clever ball through the defence and Ellis Simms, on loan from Everton, beats Covolan with a composed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs.
It’s what Coventry deserve, but Elokobi looks to encourage his side to keep their heads up.
Still a long way to go.
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