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 0-0 Maidstone United
4 mins: CHANCE! Maidstone survive and Covolan, the hero against Ipswich in the previous round, has to make a big stop early on here!
There’s a mix-up in the Maidstone defence and the ball breaks to Wright in the box.
He takes a swing and catches the volley, but Covolan gets across to make the save!
Coventry 0-0 Maidstone United
2 mins: Coventry put Maidstone under some early pressure
Simms is the target of a cross into the middle but he’s not paying attention and the ball hits the back of his head.
Coventry 0-0 Maidstone United
KICK-OFF! We’re underway in Coventry. Any chance of another miracle?
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Here we go!
Can Maidstone pull off another FA Cup upset and reach the quarter-finals?
It would be an unbelievable result for the Stones...
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?
There are three games on Tuesday evening, as reigning champions Manchester City travel to Luton Town, Championship leaders Leicester City visit Bournemouth and Blackburn Rovers host Newcastle United.
The final four ties take place on Wednesday night: Chelsea host old rivals Leeds United only three days after that devastating extra-time defeat by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final; Nottingham Forest host Erik ten Hag’s inconsistent Manchester United; Wolves meet Brighton; and League Cup champions Liverpool dust themselves down to face Southampton at Anfield.
The eight winners will be in the hat for the next round and one step closer to Wembley. Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw? Start time, TV channel and how to watch online
FA Cup fifth-round ties take place this midweek as the 16 remaining teams are reduced to the final eight
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
George Elokobi ahead of facing Coventry:
“It’s a day with for no pressure for us.
“We are Maidstone United Football Club. There shouldn’t be any pressure on us.
“We will go and enjoy the occasion. It’s a historic day for our football club.”
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Plenty of tin foil out on display in the Maidstone end tonight! An FA Cup staple.
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Back at the start of January, the FA Cup third round saw the introduction of Video Assistant Referee technology to the competition for the first time this season. But it was only deployed in some ties, and that will remain the case in this week’s fifth round matches.
Eight games will play out across the evenings of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday featuring reigning champions Manchester City down to sixth-tier Maidstone United.
But only games played at Premier League grounds will use VAR, due to licensing rules.
Here’s why:
Is VAR being used in the FA Cup fifth round? Well, yes and no
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be partially in action during the FA Cup fifth round this week
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Great scenes before kick-off as George Elokobi greets the Maidstone fans who have made the journey to Coventry.
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Maidstone United will be cheered on tonight by Lionesses star Alessia Russo, who are the Arsenal striker’s local club.
“I am so excited,” Russo said ahead of tonight’s match against Coventry.
“I have had many sessions, tournaments and games at the Gallagher Stadium, and I used to go down there quite a bit with my family to watch some live football.
“They have always been a team that has competed, so it has been nice to follow their FA Cup run – it has been really cool. They have been incredible and making everyone in Maidstone proud.
“I will be following along from Spain - I’m hoping I will be able to stream it and I will get some of the other girls involved too.
“I can’t wait to watch that game and will be backing them all the way.”
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