Non-League Maidstone stun Ipswich to reach FA Cup last 16

English Woman's Journal - Non-League Maidstone stun Ipswich to reach FA Cup last 16

SPORTS 27.01.2024

Non-League Maidstone stun Ipswich to reach FA Cup last 16 / Photo: Ben Stansall - AFP

Non-League Maidstone produced one of the all-time great FA Cup shocks by beating Championship high-flyers Ipswich 2-1 on Saturday to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

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Ipswich are 98 places and four divisions above Maidstone in the English football pyramid, but manager Kieran McKenna was left to rue making 10 changes as the sixth-tier side took advantage.

The visitors' two goals were worthy of winning any cup tie as Lamar Reynolds produced a cool chip over Christian Walton as Maidstone surged upfield from an Ipswich corner just before half-time.

Jeremy Sarmiento looked to have restored order when the Ecuador international drilled low into the bottom corner on 56 minutes.

However, there was another twist in a fairytale story as Reynolds this time played provider for Sam Corne to fire in the winner.

Maidstone needed a few heroics from Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan and had to see out eight minutes of added time, but held out for a famous victory.

Holders Manchester City booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Friday night.

Liverpool are in action on Sunday when they host Norwich at what is sure to be an emotional Anfield for the Reds' first match since manager Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.

D.Findlay--EWJ

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English Woman's Journal - Non-League Maidstone stun Ipswich to reach FA Cup last 16