Lamar Reynolds and Sam Corne’s outstanding counterattack goals, which were Maidstone’s only attempts on goal, gave the non-league team an incredible win over a team ranked 98 spots higher in the football pyramid.
Ipswich, who are currently second in the second division and vying for promotion to the Premier League, had undergone significant change. They had hammered their opponents in the first half, hitting the crossbar three times and missing several opportunities, yet they were nonetheless behind due to a masterful dinked finish by Reynolds.
When Jeremy Sarmiento’s low shot got a slight but significant deflection and beat excellent Stones keeper Lucas Covolan, the resolute defense was eventually broken.
However, Maidstone overcame an inevitable wild end and eight minutes of stoppage time thanks to a calm finish from Sam Corne. This made Maidstone the first team from National League North or South to advance to the round of 16 since the regional divide was implemented in 2004 and created happy scenes.
Stones show true grit
In front of some 4,600 traveling supporters, head coach George Elokobi oversaw the festivities as the lowest-seeded club remaining in the competition celebrated their accomplishment and considered a spot in the round of 16.
Ipswich will contend that George Edmundson was fouled in the penalty area following Corne’s goal, and that the second Stones goal ought to have been disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
They will also highlight their complete control of the first half, with 38 shots on goal, and the outstanding play of Brazilian keeper Lucas.
But nobody could contest Elokobi’s side’s character, tenacity, and unwavering perseverance—they were so clearly superior before the interval.
Since Kidderminster Harriers defeated Birmingham City in January 1994, Stones—who were already participating in the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in their history—are the only team to triumph in their opening game against a team from one of the top two leagues.
But early on, there didn’t seem to be much chance of matching that achievement.
Wasteful Ipswich made to pay
Any doubts about Town’s fringe players’ ability to click were quickly dashed as they dominated possession, tantalizing, probing, and creating a ton of opportunities right away.
Sarmiento, a midfielder on loan from Brighton, hit the inside of the post with a long-range shot, Omari Hutchinson, a forward for Chelsea, deflected a shot that also touched the upright, and Lucas, who was overworked, saved attempts from Hutchinson, Nathan Broadhead, and Sam Morsy.
The quality, pace, and movement of a side full of confidence was beyond Maidstone’s ability to match.
The only player left from Monday’s 1-1 draw with fellow promotion contenders Leicester City is center-back Edmundson, who mishandled a free header from six yards. Hutchinson also had a close attempt, and Sarmiento’s incredible long-range effort skimmed the crossbar and looped off a defender. Veteran striker Sone Aluko also missed a 10-yard attempt.
With just 22 completed passes in the opening 20 minutes, the visitors looked certain to finish the half without scoring, but a few long balls and quick counterattacks had provided some momentary relief and a glimmer of optimism.
However, they miraculously advanced, and the objective was breathtaking in both its creation and achievement. Liam Sole’s beautiful crossfield ball into space found Reynolds, who raced on to chip keeper Christian Walton after a brilliant first touch while Stones remained composed to defend a set-piece.
After the break, the Ipswich assault subsided a little, but the equalizer appeared certain, and Sarmiento delivered with a deft strike after cutting in from the left.
However, Corne made sure Maidstone’s perfect conversion record persisted when, after being skillfully set up by Reynolds, Sarmiento was controversially taken out of the game in midfield. He then held off Edmundson and finished coolly inside the near post.
Stones, who have already eliminated three EFL teams in seven games this season, once again displayed incredible fortitude as they resisted mounting pressure from Ipswich, with Lucas making save after save and Gavin Hoyte and Paul Appiah playing excellent defense.
The most were routine, but he produced several noteworthy saves to deny headers from Conor Chaplin and Wes Burns, two substitutes, as an increasingly agitated and desperate Ipswich substituted some of their more regular starts.
The confused Stones players were able to soak up the atmosphere following a historic victory that saw them become the first club from outside the top five tiers of English football to reach the FA Cup fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978, despite the changes and an overall possession statistic of 78% failing to help the hosts salvage a draw.
