Forgotten Premier League star hailed for inspiring sixth-tier Maidstone United to major FA Cup upset at Ipswich

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Published: 14:29, 27 Jan 2024Updated: 14:29, 27 Jan 2024

George Elokobi has been hailed for inspiring Maidstone United to a huge FA Cup shock against EFL high-flyers Ipswich.

The National League South side went into the clash at Portman Road a staggering 98 places below the Championship side, with Kieran McKenna's side currently on track to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Maidstone made history by seeing off Ipswich to take their place in the FA Cup fifth round

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Maidstone made history by seeing off Ipswich to take their place in the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: Getty

Ipswich had 33 shots and 78 per cent of possesion, but they weren't able to handle the threat of Elokobi's side who ran out as 2-1 victors - despite having just two shots all game.

Elokobi, who spent six years at Wolves, took charge of the club 10 months ago and has already written himself into the club's history books.

Ipswich dominated the first half and showed their dominance by striking the left post, the right post and the crossbar in a dominant first 45.

However they were left stunned when Lamar Reynolds gave them the lead shortly before half-time after using his electric pace to break free of Ipswich's defence before scoring a perfectly-weighted dinked effort over the goalkeeper.

Leading 1-0 at half-time, Lianne Sanderson took to X to write: "Wow Maidstone United, absolutely brilliant.

"So happy for George Elokobi It’s not done yet obviously but what an effort this is.

"The magic of the @EmiratesFACup loving it."

Ex-Tottenham star and talkSPORT host Jamie O'Hara also posted: "Well done George now get yourself in and give a huge team talk, non league players doing the league proud.

Maidstone's fans couldn't believe their luck as they went in 1-0 up at the break

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Maidstone's fans couldn't believe their luck as they went in 1-0 up at the breakCredit: Getty

The National League South side made it 2-1 midway through the second half

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The National League South side made it 2-1 midway through the second halfCredit: AFP

The minnows celebrated wildly as Ipswich watched on stunned

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The minnows celebrated wildly as Ipswich watched on stunnedCredit: AFP

"Trust me there’s some top players playing in non league."

Talk of an upset went quiet early in the second half when Brighton loan star Jeremy Sarmiento drew the game level, but Maidstone weren't done yet.

Sam Corne, a player who has scored in three consecutive FA Cup rounds now, broke free and slotted home to make it 2-1 midway through the half to set up a dramatic climax.

Maidstone's fans could be heard singing: "Championship, you're having a laugh," as they wound down the clock to secure a historic win.

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