So heartening, magical and, at times, mesmeric has the Maidstone United story been this season, there is a line of thinking that George Elokobi and his side are to thank for singlehandedly saving the FA Cup, having reminded us of its raw charm. It certainly felt that way as, despite a 5-0 defeat, Elokobi embarked on a lap of the pitch to applaud all four sides of this stadium, soaking up the praise that came his way from the stands. It was very much a two-way thing.
Elokobi is viewed as something of a saviour given sixth-tier Maidstone’s unforgettable ride through seven rounds of this competition but in these parts Coventry have their own untouchable manager in Mark Robins, who scored a pivotal winner en route to clinching this trophy with Manchester United in 1990. Robins has steered Coventry through many a storm and here they breezed into Wednesday’s quarter-final draw, Ellis Simms scoring a first-half hat-trick before Fábio Tavares struck twice late on to complete the rout.
Maidstone, the first team from outside the top five divisions to reach this stage since 1978, depart with a rich tapestry of memories. “How can you not savour that at the end?” Elokobi said of the scenes at full time. “I thought Coventry’s fans were magnificent. I don’t think they were just supporting Coventry but also Maidstone, deep down. Nobody can take this moment away from us. We have created so many beautiful moments and it is not just for our community but globally. We have inspired so many people all around the world with how we’ve gone about it. For me, football is the winner, because football brings communities together and inspires so many people around the world.”
Almost 20 minutes after full-time Lucas Covolan was still whipping up the almost 5,000-strong travelling black-and-amber support, kickstarting a chant to celebrate the end of an incredible journey. It all began in Sussex on a 3G pitch at Steyning Town of the Southern Combination League – the ninth tier of the football pyramid – in the second qualifying round. Then came wins against Winchester City and Torquay before a first-round trip to Chesham United.
It was Coventry, winners of this competition in 1987, supporters who left the stadium singing about Wembley, their place in the quarter-finals in effect secured within 34 minutes. By the time the fourth official, Andrew Kitchen, indicated two minutes of first-half stoppage time Maidstone’s players could be forgiven for wanting to flood down the tunnel for some respite.
Elokobi encouraged his players to drink in the occasion and record moments to cherish. George Fowler and Manny Duku filmed the horde of supporters that cheered the team off the coach. Elokobi, as he did before Maidstone sent Ipswich packing in the previous round, addressed the fans on arrival. His parting shot before heading inside? “Make some noise,” he roared and they hardly required further encouragement. The scoreline was never going to dampen their mood.
For Elokobi, belief has been the buzzword on this adventure but even he would have recognised the game was as good as over when Simms scored his and Coventry’s second goal on 14 minutes, finishing across the face of Covolan’s goal. Covolan was the hero at Portman Road as Ipswich peppered his goal and made an early save to deny Haji Wright after the USA forward swivelled on the penalty spot but a repeat of those heroics always felt a big ask. Simms prodded in Coventry’s first after picking up Kasey Palmer’s through ball and completed his hat-trick when Covolan could only push Palmer’s shot into his path, tucking in the rebound.
Lamar Reynolds rattled the side netting of the Coventry goal early in the second half and Maidstone kept pushing. The half-time arrival of Callum O’Hare, one of the most talented players outside of the top flight, in place of Wright only rammed home the size of the challenge facing the Kent side. Covolan seemed to heed Elokobi’s pre-match advice and certainly enjoyed side-stepping Palmer to large whoops from the Maidstone fans behind his goal, a glimpse of his Brazilian roots.
Maidstone’s support savoured every corner they earned. Elokobi made his first changes – a triple substitution – in the 70th minute as fatigue kicked in. By that point Maidstone knew the game had long been up, Saturday’s trip to Dover Athletic, the resumption of their attempt to make the sixth-tier playoffs, on their minds. Next week it is back to hosting Bath City and St Albans in that quest for promotion, but they have made memories to last a lifetime. “Sorry, everyone,” Robins, the Coventry manager, told a press conference with a wry smile. “Congratulations to Maidstone and George because he’s doing a brilliant job.”
