FA Cup: Maidstone United of the National League South beat Championship side Ipswich 2-1 to reach fifth round

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

The Non League side are 98 places and four divisions below Ipswich in the English football pyramid but pounced on some complacency by their opponents as Kieran McKenna was left to rue making 10 changes.

Maidstone’s opening goal had the quality to grace any level of the game as Lamar Reynolds finished off a flowing counter-attack from an Ipswich corner with a cool chip over the advancing Christian Walton.

Jeremy Sarmiento looked to have spared Ipswich’s blushed when the Ecuador international drilled low into the bottom corner on 56 minutes.

But Maidstone were not to be denied their fairytale ending as Reynolds teed up Sam Corne, who also scored the winner in the third round against Stevenage, to blast home 24 minutes from time.

"Our boys have run themselves into the ground and that is what we said, 'leave nothing in the changing room'." said Maidstone boss and former Wolves defender George Elokobi.

"This binds us for life, what our boys are achieving right now. What our boys are achieving now has not been done in over 100 years.

"The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive.

"There were a few tears. We have come to Ipswich, with their history, they are flying high in the Championship and for our group of players to be clapped off is amazing. History has been made here."

Manchester City are among the big names that Elokobi’s men could face next after the holders advanced with a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Friday.

Liverpool are in action for the first time since Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave the club at the end of the season on Sunday when Norwich visit Anfield, while Manchester United travel to League Two Newport County.

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