Maidstone face another Championship trip after FA Cup giant-killing

The sixth-tier side knocked out Ipswich on Saturday.

Pa Sport Staff
Sunday 28 January 2024 19:03 GMT
Comments
Maidstone won at Ipswich on Saturday (Joe Giddens/PA)
Maidstone won at Ipswich on Saturday (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Giant killers Maidstone will play Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The National League South club from Kent pulled off one of the great upsets in the competition’s history by winning 2-1 at Ipswich on Saturday.

They will now travel to another Championship side to face the winners of the replay between the Owls and the Sky Blues in the last 16.

Holders Manchester City were one of three teams still in the pot when Maidstone were pulled out, but captain Gavin Hoyte was nonetheless happy with the draw.

FA Cup

Fifth-round draw

Blackburn/Wrexham v Newcastle

Chelsea/Aston Villa v Leeds/Plymouth

Bournemouth v Leicester

Liverpool v Watford/Southampton

Bristol City/Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

Wolverhampton v Brighton & Hove Albion

Sheffield Wednesday/Coventry v Maidstone United

Luton Town v Manchester City

“Another Championship side,” he told Sky Sports News. “It’s going to be a big day out for us. It’s incredible to get into the fifth round. We are not disappointed.”

Manager George Elokobi admitted he fancied a trip to his former club Wolves.

Nevertheless, he said: “In my opinion, it’s a good draw for both clubs. We have to make sure that when the time comes we go again.

“My personal preference was Wolves and I was disappointed that we didn’t draw them, to be honest. But it’s not about me, it’s about our football club and our players and we have to go out and do it again.

“The magic of the cup is still very much alive and on the day we will be ready and hopefully we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”

City were instead drawn away at Luton, while Newcastle face a trip to the winners of Monday’s tie between Blackburn and Wrexham.

Chelsea or Aston Villa will host Leeds or Plymouth while Brighton travel to Wolves and Bournemouth entertain Championship leaders Leicester.

Liverpool, who beat Norwich 5-2 on Sunday, will welcome Watford or Southampton to Anfield.

The winners of the replay between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest face Manchester United.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in