FA Cup

SAM CORNE was a victim of the Maidstone boo-boys when he first joined the club … but his brother predicted he would become their hero.The midfielder, 27, joined a team that had been freshly relegated with a disgruntled fanbase.
Sam Corne had a tough start to life as a Maidstone player
But his goal heroics in the FA Cup, including knocking out Ipswich, have made him a hero at the Kent club
And Corne admits when games were played behind closed doors due to the pandemic it came as a relief.
But this season he has written and underlined his name, along with his Maidstone team-mates, into the history books for their incredible FA Cup heroics.
Corne scored the winner at Ipswich to add to the ones he netted against Stevenage and Barrow in the previous rounds to make the Stones only the second club from below the fifth tier to have reached the FA Cup’s last 16.
Blyth Spartans are the only other side to famously achieve that feat in 1978.
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And Corne told SunSport: “When I first came here things were negative. The club had dropped out of the National League, there were a few managerial changes and the place was hostile.
“I was still a young player and the fans didn’t take to me.
“There were negative comments because of our bad results. After going down, they expected instant success in the lower division but we didn’t get that straight away.
“Most of the negativity was on social media and the fans forum. So when I went out on game day, I was always not only trying to get a good result but win over a set of fans.
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“At my previous club Welling, I was loved regardless of how I played because they held me in high regard. That wasn’t the case at first here at Maidstone.
“But my older brother James said to me, ‘Don’t worry — you’ll end up being loved. It’s only a matter of time.’”
Maidstone make FA Cup history with huge giant-killing win over Ipswich
Sam Corne with his older brother James
Sam Corne warming up for the challenge of Coventry on Monday night
Sam Corne and Maidstone have made history by reaching the last 16 of the FA Cup
And how he has turned that around – especially with his stunning exploits in the FA Cup.
From being a player that fans did not like, many of them would not begrudge seeing a STATUE of him now striking that winning goal at Portman Road erected in the town centre.
He said: “Playing games during the pandemic helped me because there were no supporters in the ground. 
“Maidstone are a huge club at this level and have average gates of more than 2,000. Looking back, I hadn’t the experience then of playing in front of a big fan-base.
“So I managed to find my feet a little bit during that period without supporters and by the time football returned to normal I wasn’t under pressure anymore.”
Corne is a diamond in the rough of non-league.
Although he is a midfielder, the Stones ace is always good value for a goal when he appears in and around the box.
And his brilliant finish against the Tractor Boys was as clinical as anything you will see in the Premier League.
It is something of a surprise that League One or Two club have not yet snapped him up — but maybe this summer one of them will.
Corne, who grew up idolising Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele, came through the youth ranks at Fulham at the same time as Patrick Roberts and Cauley Woodrow. 
But the West Londoners never offered him a scholarship.
So he has since done the hard yards in non-league with Greenwich Borough, Ashford Town, Welling United, Braintree and now Maidstone.
And he combines playing with coaching kids at Welling and his Cup exploits have proved inspiring to the youngsters.
He said: “I coach boys and girls and do the Under-13s, 15s and the scholars. All the kids have been so excited seeing us on the TV.
“The parents come to me and say, ‘Oh, they love you’ — so it’s been rewarding. It’s good to know that Maidstone United are inspiring kids.”
Corne’s goal at Portman Road will forever live in football folklore.
Maidstone United celebrate their triumph at Portman Road
And describing the jubilant moment the ball hit the back of the net and the scenes that followed, he said: “There was a lot of surprise, a lot of shock and the 4,500 Maidstone fans just went crazy.
“Even now just talking about it gives me the chills. It was a lovely feeling and I’ve watched the goal back a fair few times!
“After the game, there was music blaring and the scenes were like nothing I’d experienced before. 
“In the dressing room, I ran myself a bath — because we don’t have them at our ground — and I just laid there, chilling and taking it all in.
“The Ipswich players were class and wished us the best afterwards.
“What we did that day does give you a bit of motivation.
“It’s something you dream will come true and gives you a reminder why you’re still playing the game.”
And although Corne has been winning lots of plaudits for his goals, he is quick to point out that it was only achievable because of the incredible shifts put in by the whole team.
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Plus he was wise to heed his brother’s advice and keep faith in those difficult early days at Maidstone.
He said: “James has been my worst critic but also my biggest fan over the years. Without him, my family and team-mates I’d not be where I am today.” More

BILL WILLIAMS once watched open mouthed as Bruce Grobbelaar made a save before hanging by his feet from the crossbar while barking like a sea lion.But nothing has stunned 81-year-old Maidstone’s director of football — the oldest in the country — than George Elokobi taking the non-league minnows to the FA Cup last 16.
Maidstone director of football Bill Williams has seen some things in his long career in the game but nothing as incredible as this year’s FA Cup run
Liverpool goalkeeper legend Bruce Grobbelaar was 18 when Bill Williams signed him
The Stones, who travel to Coventry tomorrow, are only the second club from the sixth tier down to have reached this stage.
And Williams — who while managing Durban City signed famously whacky Grobbelaar before he became a Liverpool goalkeeper legend — believes George Elokobi is also destined for greatness as a manager.
Williams managed the former club while it was in the old fourth division when they went bust in 1992 — and has been one of the brains behind their re-emergence through non-league to this historic season.
And few people will be prouder watching tomorrow than Mr Maidstone himself with what Elokobi has achieved with the National League South team.
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The veteran played for the likes of Portsmouth, QPR, West Brom, Mansfield and Gillingham as well as managed in South Africa, the United States and back home with Maidstone, Dover and Kingstonian.
And he told SunSport: “George has been wonderful. He has achieved in his first year as a manager what I tried in my entire career as a player and a coach. I never got past the third round.
“Being honest, I didn’t think we had a chance against either Stevenage or Ipswich in the last two rounds but through sheer belief and some incredible luck we’re sitting in the last 16 of the FA Cup.
“This is his first job in management and the whole thing has been a learning experience. I believe it takes three to five years before you get a real understanding of management.
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George Elokobi and his Maidstone United team celebrate at Portman Road
“You get people who think they know it all after five minutes — but George isn’t one of those. He’s a humble man and knows he’s still learning.
“But, in learning, he’s doing a bloody good job — making history in the FA Cup and having us competing for promotion. And what makes the job he’s doing so remarkable is he’s never had a full squad available each week. We’ve always had four to six players out. That shows what a fine achievement this all is.
Maidstone make FA Cup history with huge giant-killing win over Ipswich
“The big thing he has done which has been vital to our run has been the fitness. He trains them very hard. He does a lot of gym and leg work. They know what their job is and they’re committed. 
“And then George gets players believing they can do things that they usually can’t.”
Williams has been in the senior game for more than 60 years.
And his biggest claim to fame was discovering an 18-year-old Grobbelaar while managing Durban in the 1970s.
And he said: “An Irish coach called Harry Weir, who’d spent most of his life in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), told me about this young keeper he once saw playing for Highlanders so we went to watch him.
“The game had only been underway for five minutes when he came out to meet a cross. Instead of catching the ball, he headed it away. I looked aghast at Harry, who smiled, ‘You just wait and see.’
“As the game went on, he pulled off such a string of remarkable saves I decided to sign him.
“But I was worried about getting the move over the line after finding out about his signing-on deal with Highlanders.
Bruce Grobbelaar once was signed for a cow, sheep and a goat in South Africa
“They offered him a cow, a sheep and a goat – all the club wanted to know was if he wanted them delivered dead or alive.
“Bruce apparently decided to stick the Billy goat in his back garden while the beef and mutton went into his deep freeze.”
Grobbelaar spent a season at Durban and Williams went on: “He was an unbelievable character and superb athlete. If he ran a mile, he’d win. If he did a high jump, he’d win. If he did a shot put, he’d win. Also what a lot of people don’t realise is that he was a great baseball pitcher.
“I remember how before a game, he’d jump on the table in the changing room and do a back somersault with all our hearts in mouths because one slip would see him break his legs.
“Bruce would also make a save then hang by his feet from the crossbar, while barking like a sea lion.”
Williams also did the deal that saw Manchester United defender Chris Smalling move from Maidstone to Fulham, then managed by former Stones player Roy Hodgson, in 2008.
And when he signed for United, Alex Ferguson invited Williams to Carrington.
He said: “I was nervous because it was like going to meet the Queen, I hold him in such high esteem. He wanted to know everything I could tell him about Chris.”
At Maidstone, it has been a remarkable story since 1992 when the club folded playing in the fourth tier, literally a couple of weeks after the birth of the money-spinning Premier League — with debts of £650,000.
Bill Williams and Sir Alex Ferguson at Carrington
Maidstone boss George Elokobi is preparing Maidstone for Coventry trip
The new team had to start SEVEN leagues lower in the Kent County League Fourth Division.
But they have steadily risen up the pyramid and in recent times have yo-yo’d between the fifth and sixth tiers — with their business model built that includes hiring out their 3G pitch to the local community which nets them around £150,000 a year.
The club so far this season have earned a whopping £450,000 through their FA Cup run.
And Williams says the funds will almost certainly be largely reinvested into the facilities
He said: “We’ve been at the Gallagher Stadium for 12 years and it needs refurbishment. We need a new pitch, toilet blocks, electrics, boilers and a new stand. 
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“This injection of money is going to come in handy for all that and bring our ground up to scratch to have another go at trying to get back into the Football League.
“It’ll be nice to spend half a million on new players but I wouldn’t recommend it.” More

LAMAR REYNOLDS is the busiest man in Maidstone right now.Before sitting down to speak with SunSport, the 28-year-old was called to film for ITV ahead of Monday’s blockbuster FA Cup clash with Coventry City.
Maidstone forward Lamar Reynolds is hoping to keep his FA Cup dream alive with a win over Coventry on MondayCredit: Getty
Reynolds scored a crucial goal for the Stones against Ipswich last month.Credit: Reuters
His goal sparked wild celebrations at Portman RoadCredit: AFP
And prior to that he had spent a full day at work.
Outside of football, Reynolds is a social support worker. When he isn’t training with Maidstone – usually three-to-four times a week – he spends time providing assistance for young adults with autism.
“On a normal day I would maybe get in at 9am/9:30am or so and I get the guys ready. We do a bit of stretching and some fun exercises to get them ready for the day,” the forward revealed.
“Maybe head out, go to a museum or the zoo if the weather is nice. Swimming even, then we go for lunch after that. After lunch we go and end our day with either another activity, like bowling or TopGolf, something that will keep them on their feet and keep them excited.
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“Then we’re pretty much done by around 3pm, get back to the base and let them have their chilled moments. They’re all quite close with each other, there’s a lot of friendship so they have their own time.”
The group also bond over their love of football, with some supporting both Maidstone and Reynolds’ former club, Leyton Orient.
Reynolds continued: “They’re big fans, they are big football fans! There’s a few fans of Leyton Orient as well so a few of them knew that I played for the club before and they talk to me about that quite often.
“They watched the game (vs Ipswich) and they’re buzzing for Monday to come. They can’t wait to see it as well. I’ve got them on my back so that’s another big positive.”
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The Londoner hit the headlines last month when he scored for Maidstone against Ipswich in the fourth round of the FA Cup, sparking wild celebrations from the away end at Portman Road.
Just before half time, Reynolds was sent through on goal by team-mate Liam Sole.
He latched onto the pass over 30 yards out, taking a single touch on his right foot before chipping goalkeeper Christian Walton with his left.
Maidstone make FA Cup history with huge giant-killing win over Ipswich
Reflecting on the moment of magic, Reynolds admitted: “Initially I had a very different finish in mind. Once Liam Sole played the ball across to me and put me in on goal, everything went completely quiet.
“As much as there was so many people around, everything was silent and it was just like me versus the goal and the goalkeeper.
“It felt a bit slow. It was a bit nerve wracking. But I thought about doing a different type of finish in terms of opening up my body and maybe going for a safer option.
“But then the keeper came off his line and I think that made my mind up – I had to go high and try to get it over him.
“Luckily as soon as it left my feet I knew it was going in so I just burst off in celebration. It was an extraordinary moment that I will probably never forget.”

Jeremy Sarmiento equalised for Ipswich in the 56th minute before Sam Corne scored the winner with less than half an hour to play.
The following day, Maidstone were drawn against Coventry.
George Elokobi’s side were last out of the pot, but fans appeared far from pleased.
Local supporters that had flocked to the Gallagher Stadium on January 28 wanted to see the Stones drawn against a Premier League side.
And to an extent, so did the players themselves.
However, Reynolds insists they will travel to Coventry and enjoy the occasion regardless.
He added: “I mean, to be fair after the Stevenage game we probably wanted a big draw from then because I think we made history from then. So that would’ve been nice to have got a big draw, but hey, we got Ipswich and somehow we got through to the next round so we were more than happy with that.
“But yeah, we expected a bigger opponent, maybe from the Premier League, but Coventry is still a huge club with massive ambition so we take that as a tough game to go to like any other. We’re just going to go there, see what we can do and most definitely enjoy the occasion.
“We just have to look at it as another game. It’s 11 men versus 11 men so there’s nothing to fear, nothing to be afraid of.
“They’ve obviously been in great form so we give them that respect. We have so many people behind us and looking at how far we’ve come already we’re just so impressed with ourselves that right now we’re just ready to go again and see what we can do.”
Reynolds hopes to face a big Premier League team if Maidstone beat CoventryCredit: Getty
Reynolds has enjoyed plenty of career highlights over the last 13 years.
At just 15-years-old he made his senior debut for Barking FC and went on to play for non-league sides Grays Athletic, Aveley and Brentwood Town.
After enjoying his most prolific season with Brentwood he was invited to Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy, a scheme set up by the Leicester City legend with the hope of giving non-league players the opportunity to be scouted by professional clubs.
Reynolds spent five days at Manchester City’s Etihad campus and was scouted by League Two side Newport County.
He was later loaned to Leyton Orient and played under the guidance of former Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh.
A stint at Dagenham and Redbridge then followed before he signed for Concord Rangers.
The forward helped Concord reach the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium in 2021 and remained at the club until the following summer when he joined Braintree.
Now, less than one year into his time at Maidstone, he is eyeing a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Should Maidstone beat Coventry in another huge upset on Monday, Reynolds wants to take on a Premier League giant.
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He admitted: “Personally I would like a Manchester United, Liverpool or Manchester City even. That would be nice.
“I think we were close to getting one of the big boys but obviously it fell to what it is now. We wanted one of the Premier League big boys but whoever we get we’re more than happy with. It’s a pleasure to be in the position we’re in.” More

RILEY COURT has revealed that he was dumped by Chelsea by email after eight years in the academy.The midfielder was left in tears after his heartbreaking release from the Blues.
Riley Court was released by Chelsea when by emailCredit: PA
He is now playing for Maidstone UnitedCredit: Getty
Court, 17, joined the Cobham academy as a child and was one of the regulars as he progressed year on year.
However, he was caught unaware when he was released by a blunt email telling him he would not be getting a new deal.
He told Kent Online: “Chelsea was unreal, probably one of the best academies out there.
“I was there for eight years, since I was a little kid.
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“I gave up on football for a few months after they let me go. I didn’t want to play – my head was down.
“I just started going out as a normal lad again.
“I wasn’t expecting to be released, to be fair. I always got offered a contract every year.
“It sort of became an expectation and then I got an email saying that’s it. There was no meeting. It was harsh.
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“The email didn’t say much, literally we’re not going to offer you another contract. I didn’t speak to anyone after that. That was it.
“I was 14/15 when I got released. I was in tears for days and days and I didn’t want to play football anymore.”
Maidstone make FA Cup history with huge giant-killing win over Ipswich
Following his exit from Chelsea he considered stopping playing but was offered a lifeline.
The talented midfielder is now rebuilding his career in non-league with Maidstone United.
He joined the club’s under-16 set-up and has since progressed into the first-team.
Court has made three appearances in the National League South and played 16 minutes against Ipswich Town in the club’s famous 2-1 victory.
The teenager admitted to being “left speechless” following the result against the Championship side.
Court insisted that the win was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience and that it felt “special” doing it for the area.
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He is often watched by his dad Ian Court, who also used to play for Maidstone United.
He will be hoping for another cup upset when Maidstone take on Coventry in the FA Cup fifth round on February 26. More