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 v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Maidstone United’s run to the fifth-round has pocketed the club £700,000 before tax, but the club’s co-owner insists it is not a “game-changer”.
The club have won over £350,000 in prize money, receiving extra in gate receipts, TV revenue and sponsorship.
Speaking to the BBC, Oliver Ash said: “It's substantial but it's not necessarily a game-changer. We've obviously been doing the accounts and tried to work out what it does mean.
“It’s excellent but it isn’t life-changing.”
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Born in Cameroon, George Elokobi believes Maidstone’s FA Cup adventure has catapulted them onto the global stage and has captured the imagination from Kent and beyond.
“It’s a huge moment for myself. It’s a huge moment for my community back in Cameroon. It’s a huge moment for our football club. For Africa as well. It’s huge.
“The FA Cup is regarded as one of the best competitions in the world and for Maidstone to be in the fifth round, against a Championship side in Coventry, a club full of history, it’s an inspirational moment for myself and I’m ever so proud to be the leader of the club.”
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Line-ups!
Coventry: Wilson, Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell, Kelly, Torp, Palmer, Tavares, Simms, Wright
Maidstone: Covolan, Greenidge, Fowler, Brown, Berkeley-Agyepong, Corne, Reynolds, Doku, Kyprianou, Bone, Sole
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Maidstone’s journey to the fifth round:
16 September, 2023: won 4-1 vs Steyning Town (9)
30 September, 2023: won 2-0 vs Winchester City (7)
14 October, 2023: won 2-0 vs Torquay United (6)
4 November, 2023: won 2-0 vs Chesham United (7)
2 December, 2023: won 2-1 vs Barrow (4)
6 January, 2024: won 1-0 vs Stevenage (3)
27 January, 2024: won 2-1 vs Ipswich (2)
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Maidstone have already played seven matches in the FA Cup to reach the fifth round, starting their journey in the second qualifying round.
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Maidstone have arrived!
George Elokobi and his players take the opportunity to pose for a team photo before tonight’s fifth-round tie.
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Maidstone’s stunning FA Cup journey has been led by George Elokobi, the former Wolves defender who took charge of the club in 2023.
“It’s an incredible achievement, not just for ourselves but for the community, Maidstone United, and our fanbase,” he said.
“But we have also gained so much admiration globally, how we have gone about our FA Cup run, how we’ve approached it as a football club.
“Now we have kids coming up to us saying ‘we want to emulate what you have done’.
“It’s historic and a lot of the people around the city and elsewhere who aren’t even connected with Maidstone, they’ve told me their new team is Maidstone United. That shows you what the players have done.”
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Predicted line-ups
Coventry XI: Collins; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell; Kelly, Torp; Tavares, Palmer, Wright; Simms.
Maidstone XI: Lucas; Hoyte, Fowler, Greenidge, Kyprianou; Corne, Bone, Berkeley-Agyepong; Sole, Duku, Reynolds
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
Team news
It is feared that Tatsuhiro Sakamoto will not play again this season for Coventry after suffering a serious injury against Preston. Ben Sheaf and Jamie Allen remain sidelined.
Paul Appiah is suspended for Maidstone after being sent off for a second yellow card in last week’s defeat to Aveley.
Coventry v Maidstone United LIVE: FA Cup latest updates
When is Coventry vs Maidstone?
Coventry vs Maidstone is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Monday 26 February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV4, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. A live stream will be available via the ITVX platform.
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