Maidstone United: George Elokobi says FA Cup win over Ipswich ‘binds us for life’
Maidstone United manager George Elokobi said the shock FA Cup away victory over Championship side Ipswich Town will bind his team “for life”.
The National League South team overcame a club 98 places above them in the football pyramid, scoring with their only attempts as they won 2-1..
Speaking on BBC One, Elokobi said: “There were a few tears.
“I doff my cap to our community. This is for Maidstone and it’s the magic of the FA Cup. We had to believe.”
The Stones, who play in the sixth tier of English football, had already beaten EFL sides Barrow and Stevenage to reach the fourth round and are now in the fifth round for the first time in their history.
In doing so, they have also become the first club outside the top five tiers of English football to reach the FA Cup fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
“Always believe there is hope and fate,” added Elokobi, whose side started their cup run in the second qualifying round and have so far earned more than £350,000 in prize money.
“Always stay humble and respectful and if you do that, you can create a group like we have done.
“This binds us for life, what our boys are achieving right now. What our boys are achieving has not been done over 100 years. The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive.”
‘Hopefully I can get a move to the Championship’
Elokobi, 37, who took over as Stones boss in March 2023, had special praise for 32-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan.
The much-travelled summer signing, a stoppage-time goalscorer for Torquay in the 2021 National League promotion final, made a number of excellent saves against the Tractor Boys.
“Lucas was one of my last signings 48 hours before the league started,” Elokobi said.
“In games like this, big games, he commands the box and leads by example. He has kept us in so many games this season and that was exceptional. Amazing from him but exceptional performances from the entire group of players.”
Lucas, speaking on BBC One, added: “It means a lot. My career in the last few years was not very good and (…) now we produce this. It’s unreal.
“It’s a normal day at the office. I had a great game. I am so happy I could help my team-mates. We are in the hat again and hopefully I can get a move now to the Championship.
