Maidstone United pulled off one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of all time with a stunning victory over Championship side, Ipswich Town. There are 98 league places between the two sides but the Stones scored two fantastic goals, had Lucas Covolan in blistering form, and at times, massively rode their luck, to book their place in the last 16 of the competition. This was an incredible team performance from the National League South side who became the first team to reach this stage of the FA Cup since 1978.
The Stones barely got out of their own half in the opening 20 minutes. Ipswich had 17 attempts on goal in the first 45 minutes and it took just six minutes to hit them to hit the post. Jeremy Sarmiento’s effort from distance hit the woodwork and Covolan did well to deny the eye catching Omari Hutchinson from the rebound.
Two minutes later, the home side struck the other post. Once more it was Hutchinson with the shot and this time it took a notable deflection before finding the post.
It felt like Ipswich had an extra player at times as they pinned Maidstone back. Nathan Broadhead got into a decent position only for Covolan to make a good save with his feet and then just minutes later, Covolan flung himself to his right to make a superb stop to once again deny Hutchinson. The shots kept raining in but once again, Covolan was the hero as this time he got his finger tips to Sam Morsy’s low drive from distance.
By the 20 minute mark, the BBC stated that the Stones had completed just 22 passes and not long after this, Ipswich should have taken the lead. George Edmunson was left unmarked at a corner and he somehow headed wide.
This stroke of fortune seemed to give Maidstone belief and they got out of their own half at times and began to sting some passes together. There was a moment when it looked like Lamar Reynolds was going to get in on goal but he was flagged offside and there was a bit of a relief for the Stones as it wasn’t until the 35th minute that Ipswich went close again. Sarmiento was allowed to advance and his drive from 25 yards took a deflection which sent it onto the angle of the post and bar.
Three minutes from half time, Dominic Ball’s miscued shot fell nicely to Sone Aluko and he managed to miss the target when well placed. Then, just 60 seconds later, there was the most incredible moment for the large noisy travelling contingent amassed in the Cobbold Stand. Maidstone hit Ipswich on the break and Liam Sole put Reynolds clear. As he approached Christian Walton, Reynolds chipped the most delightful finish over the keeper and into the net.
The Stones fans were still celebrating at the half time whistle and Maidstone appeared composed in the early stages of the second 45 minutes. However, the home side did finally equalise on 56 minutes. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong’s attempted pass was cut out and Jack Taylor quickly worked the ball to Sarmiento whose low effort appeared to take a deflection off Gavin Hoyte as it went past Covolan.
Ipswich then made a triple substitution but this didn’t lead to them scoring again. Instead, Maidstone grabbed what turned out to be the winner on 66 minutes. Reynolds did well to intercept the ball in midfield and he slipped it through to Corne. With the Maidstone fans roaring him on, Corne entered the area and dispatched a fine finish past Walton to send the travelling contingent into raptures.
The Stones still had 32 minutes to get through, with eight minutes of additional time played at the end of the match but despite Ipswich’s relentless possession, they created just two more notable chances. Substitute Conor Chaplin looked certain to score only for Covolan to make a stunning save and then with 89 minutes gone, Covolan once again made a magnificent stop to deny Chaplin.
With the backing of the most incredible support, Maidstone United held on to record their greatest FA Cup victory. The scenes at the final whistle will live long in the memory of every Stones fan who watched the match. The run has seen the Stones win seven matches and the incredible ride continues as they can now look forward to the draw as one of just sixteen teams left in the FA Cup.
Ipswich Town: Jeremy Sarmiento 56
Maidstone United: Lamar Reynolds 43, Sam Corne 68
Ipswich: 1. Christian Walton, 4. George Edmundson, 5. Sam Morsby, 12. Dominic Ball (2. Harry Clarke 57), 14. Jack Taylor, 20. Omari Hutchinson (7. Wes Burns 68), 21. Jeremy Sarmiento (51. Gerrard Buabo 59), 23. Sone Aluko (10. Conor Chaplin 57), 30. Cameron Humphreys (3. Leif Davis 57), 33. Nathan Broadhead, 40. Axel Tuanzebe. Subs not used: 13. Cieran Slicker, 6. Luke Woolfenden, 11. Marcus Harness, 28. Lewis Travis.
Maidstone United: 1. Lucas Covolan, 2. Gavin Hoyte, 5. George Fowler, 6. Paul Appiah, 14. Harry Kyprianou, 15. Sam Bone (19. Perri Iandolo 74 mins), 7. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong (Bivesh Gurung 63), 8. Sam Corne, 16. Liam Sole (4. Reece Greenidge 59), 9. Manny Duku, 10. Lamar Reynolds (Riley Court). Subs not used: 12. Harley Earle, 17. Sam Smith, 3.Chi Ezennolim
