FA Cup

A MAIDSTONE fan fell from the top tier of a stand at Portman Road as he celebrated a goal against Ipswich.Sixth-tier Maidstone pulled off a huge FA Cup upset after beating second-placed Championship side 2-1.
The fan took a tumble over a row of seats onto a slanted roof belowCredit: TikTok / @brxndonio
His momentum caused him to roll down the roofCredit: TikTok / @brxndonio
He fell down onto Ipswich fans seated in the lower tierCredit: TikTok / @brxndonio
Ipswich are investigating the incident
Lamar Reynolds put the non-league side in front before Sam Corne notched a second-half winner after Jeremy Sarmiento had equalised for the hosts.
Reynolds’ strike sent the 4,500 travelling fans into bedlam – many of whom were seated in the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand.
But one supporter got a little too carried away and fell over a row of seats onto a slanted roof below.
He then slid down the roof and fell on top of a group of Ipswich fans located in the lower tier.
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Ipswich are investigating the incident and released a comment.
It reads: “The Club is aware of an incident involving a Maidstone United supporter in the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road during today’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round fixture.
“The Club is investigating the issue thoroughly.”
Maidstone are the first sixth-tier team to reach the FA Cup fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
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Maidstone manager George Elokobi said after the win: “We had to be lucky in the first half but then we had to be resilient.
“And we knew they played so high, so can we catch them on the break if we played the right passes and had the runners behind.
“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.
“Our boys have run themselves into the ground and that is what we said, ‘leave nothing in the changing room’.
“This binds us for life, what our boys are achieving right now. What our boys are achieving now has not been done over over 100 years. The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive.” More

HOURS before George Elokobi orchestrated Maidstone United’s famous giant-killing of Ipswich Town, he was whipping their travelling fans up into a frenzy.The ex-Premier League star, 37, addressed the away supporters ahead of the kick off against the Championship side as they arrived at Portman Road.
George Elokobi addresses Maidstone United’s fans with a rousing speechCredit: X Craig Tucker
Liam Sole leads the celebrations for Maidstone United’s heroesCredit: Getty
With the players waiting in the wings, the former Wolves defender gave a rousing speech that was cheered by a group of the team’s followers.
“Maidstone United are history makers,” he began to the crowd.
“No one can take away what we, including these special group of players, have done.
“So let’s saviour every moment, every single minute of today’s occasion and showing respect to Ipswich Town.
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“We’re going to come here and give it our absolute best. And we will enjoy the game.”
Just before he could finish, the gathering crowd cheered the hulking Elokobi’s emphatic words.
They then clapped the players into the stadium, chanting club songs as the players walked through to the ground.
Elokobi’s words appeared to have the desired effect.
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Not only did the Maidstone fans cheer their side on to a famous victory, his players responded to his rallying cry.
The Kent side brought 4,472 fans for the journey on what was a memorable day.
Maidstone’s match-winner was Sam Corne who scored in the 66th winner to help his side to a 2-1 win.
The National League South side are the fist club from outside the top five tiers of English football to read the FA Cup fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
Maidstone United’s Sam Corne was the hero – netting the winnerCredit: Reuters
George Elokobi orchestrated the famous giant-killing winCredit: Getty
After the game, Elokobi said: “We had to be lucky in the first half but then we had to be resilient.
“And we knew they played so high, so can we catch them on the break if we played the right passes and had the runners behind.
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“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.
“Our boys have run themselves into the ground and that is what we said, ‘leave nothing in the changing room’.
“This binds us for life, what our boys are achieving right now. What our boys are achieving now has not been done over over 100 years. The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive.” More

JAIDON ANTHONY has paid tribute to his late mum after netting a goal in the FA Cup.The Bournemouth loanee lost his mother Donna last week and has returned to the starting line-up at Leeds for the first time since her passing.
Jaidon Anthony has paid tribute to his late mother Donna with a t-shirtCredit: Rex
The star was surrounded by his supportive teammates after scoring the opener for LeedsCredit: Rex
Anthony put Leeds 1-0 against Plymouth in their FA Cup fourth round tie with a goal in the 31st minute.
And after getting the better of Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard, Anthony removed his jersey to reveal a t-shirt that paid tribute to his mother.
The shirt read: “Rest in perfect peace mum.”
The touching moment saw fans and teammates of Anthony brought together to support the winger.
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Although referee Lewis Smith ensured that the rules were followed strictly despite the circumstances and dished out a yellow card to Anthony.
Fans were furious at the decision and took to social media to voice their opinions.
One wrote: “Beautiful moment, well played Jaidon Anthony. Shocking to see that he got booked for taking his shirt off in his situation.”
While another added: “Jaidon Anthony absolutely on fire with that goal. Referee should forgo the rules too and not book him for that.”
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A third wrote: “Jaidon Anthony has me literally crying, that was so perfect (and worth a dumb yellow card)”
Anthony’s Bournemouth teammate Dominic Solanke also paid tribute to the 24-year-old’s mum with a t-shirt when he scored for the Cherries against Swansea on Thursday night.
The Premier League star was also shown a yellow card for his tribute.
Dominic Solanke also paid tribute to Anthony’s mother earlier in the weekCredit: Rex
Donna Anthony passed away last weekCredit: AFC Bournemouth More

MAIDSTONE stars went nuts after they pulled off an epic FA Cup giant-killing – beating former winners Ipswich 2-1.And their supporters, all 4472 of them, celebrated in style after their historic victory at Portman Road.
The Maidstone bench scream with delight at the final whistle
Keeper Lucas Covolan breaks down at the end of the dramatic game
Maidstone heroes embrace in chaotic scenes at the final whistle
Lucas Covolan poses with his Player of the Match awardCredit: Getty
Riley Court celebrates the epic winCredit: PA
Maidstone manager George Elokobi celebrates in front of the fansCredit: PA
Maidstone star George Fowler celebrates with the fans at Portman RoadCredit: PA

In a truly brilliant FA Cup shock, Maidstone delivered a magnificent performance to embarrass an Ipswich team who are 98 places above them in the football pyramid – and hope to play in the Premier League next season.
Maidstone’s match-winner was Sam Corne who scored in the 66th winner.
But in truth the whole team, all of George Elokobi’s players, including keeper Lucas Covolan, were just brilliant.
Maidstone manager Elokobi said: “We had to be lucky in the first half but then we had to be resilient.
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“And we knew they played so high, so can we catch them on the break if we played the right passes and had the runners behind.
“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.
“Our boys have run themselves into the ground and that is what we said, ‘leave nothing in the changing room’.
“This binds us for life, what our boys are achieving right now. What our boys are achieving now has not been done over over 100 years. The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive.”
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Maidstone’s stunning achievement was even more impressive when you consider Lamar Reynolds gave them the lead with a stunning chip only for Jeremy Sarmiento to equalise after half-time.
But just when you thought the floodgates would open and Ipswich would win 4-1, Corne struck the second.
Maidstone’ goalscorer Sam’s matchwinner Corne said: “I don’t think I’ve got the words to describe it.
“We had belief and it showed on the pitch, that desire to put our bodies on the line.
Sam Corne of Maidstone celebrates with travelling fansCredit: Rex
Maidstone players and coaching staff celebrate on the pitchCredit: Getty
A Maidstone United fan celebrates after the matchCredit: Reuters
Both goals provoked wild scenes of celebrationCredit: AFP
Sam Corne netted the winner for the second successive gameCredit: AFP
Maidstone fans came to the game dressed as bananasCredit: Rex
“The manager said we had to have that belief not to sit too deep, to counter attack and if we did concede we may be able to nick another one and we did that.”
Maidstone hero George Fowler added: “You can probably hear it in my voice. I have been shouting all game and then celebrating just now, I can’t believe we’ve done it.
“I think every player had cramp to be honest. I was jumping up and had cramp in my calf, hamstrings were going…
“I just kept shouting to dig in and keep going. The feeling we have now is more than worth that effort.”
Despite being part-time, in terms of fitness, there was absolutely nothing in it.
There were several goal mouth scrambles throughout the game but Ipswich did not have the composure to finishCredit: Reuters
The stats tell a story, with Ipswich barely getting out of their box in the first-halfCredit: The Sun
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Even though eight minutes of injury-time were played, Ipswich were unable to even force a replay.
McKenna made 10 changes from the side which drew 1-1 at Leicester on Monday but that is no excuse. He would have expected a much smoother ride than this and even when he put on his better players such as Wes Burns and Conor Chaplin, Maidstone were having none of it.
The majority of the near-capacity crowd, who were only charged a tenner, would have expected a goals fest.
The visitors were twice saved by the woodwork in the opening eight minutes with Sarmiento and Omari Hutchinson both firing shots against the post.
Maidstone’s keeper is former Brazilian under-20 international Covolan who started out with Rio side Vasco De Gama but ended up having spells with Port Vale and Torquay.
Now, 32, he delivered excellent saves to deny Nathan Broadhead, Hutchinson and home skipper Sam Morsy.
Yet apart from being frustrated by some decent blocks and fine saves Ipswich were also wasteful. 
Aluko should have scored when he controlled an attempted pass by Dominic Ball and despite having an open goal, he showed no composure whatsoever and struck the ball with his shin and his miscued effort bobbled wide.

Reynolds’ flicked finish gave Maidstone the leadCredit: Reuters
Maidstone had just two shots on goal during the gameCredit: The Sun
That terrible attempt could not have been more different from what happened just a few minutes later. From a non-League finish by a Championship player, we saw a Premier League finish by a part-timer..
Ipswich were completely caught out by a terrific long ball from Liam Sole, Reynolds took one touch with his right foot to take the ball onto the edge of the area and then with his left foot, delivered an exquisite chip over keeper Walton.
For most of his career, Reynolds, who moved to England from Jamaica when he was eight, has played non-League football in Essex for the likes of Thurrock, Grats, Barking and Brentwood.
Last season, Liam Reynolds played down the road from Ipswich at Braintree before moving in the summer.
Yet incredibly, he had not scored for Maidstone – or ever registered an FA Cup goal – until his moment of sheer class.
Maidstone’s fans, who filled the entire upper tier of the Cobbold Stand, went absolutely bonkers.
The visitors’ substitutes ran from the bench to join in the celebrations on the pitch. For Ipswich’s fans, they could not believe what they were watching.
Even at the start of the second half they were convincing but a moment of class from Sarmiento dragged Ipswich level. He received a ball from Jack Taylor and threaded a shot through the legs of Gavin Hoyge into the bottom corner with keeper Walton unmoved.
Sam Corne, right, celebrates his goal with Manny DukuCredit: AFP
The whole Maidstone team, including substitutes, joined in with Maidstone’s celebrationsCredit: PA
So match over? You have got to be kidding.
Although he was having his shirt pulled, Sarmiento lost the ball in midfield for Ipswich, Reynolds delivered the assist and Corne produced another polished finish although maybe, Walton could have done a bit better.
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Ipswich thought they had won a penalty but Edmundson was booked for diving. And when Chaplin and Burns got a couple of headers on target, Walton made two great saves.
There was a huge groan from the Maidstone supporters when eight minutes of extra-time were shown but heroically, and deservedly, the team held on. More

NEWPORT boss Graham Coughlan has told his Manchester United-fanatic family: “Support me or I’m locking you out of the house.”The Welsh team face the biggest game in their history when they host Erik ten Hag’s men at Rodney Parade in a classic David and Goliath fourth-round FA Cup tie.
Graham Coughlan is preparing Newport for their biggest-ever game
But Irishman Coughlan, 49, has been a lifelong United fan along with most of his family.
Yet tomorrow he expects them all to be cheering on his League Two minnows – and said: “My daughter will be supporting me and the wife better be supporting me – or else she’s out the door.
“My dad and my mum will be over, and they’ll obviously be hoping I do well.
“I don’t think there’ll be any split loyalties – I’ll lock the door on them on Sunday night if they’re supporting anyone other than me.” 
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Although the League Two club have beaten Leicester and pushed Tottenham and Man City all the way on home turf in recent years, facing United is in a whole new stratosphere – especially for Coughlan.
He said: “I was at the League Cup final with the kids last year and they gave me one of the best nights of my life in ’99 in Barcelona – I watched that in Dublin.
“I saw them win the FA Cup in 85, I was there when Liverpool beat them in the League Cup in 84 as well.
“There’s so many. My missus will always accompany me when the big games come around, the kids come with me for the league games.
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“I followed United years ago when they couldn’t win an argument, let alone a game! It was tough being a United fan at that time because Liverpool were dominating and I used to get battered every day in school.
“But they soon turned that around. They’re going through a similar period now and they will come through it, I have no doubt.”
Newport, who sit 14th in the fourth tier, have added extra seats to boost their capacity to just under 10,000 for the visit of United and Coughlan says the atmosphere will be red hot.
He said: “Irrespective this season whether we’ve been winning, losing or drawing, our fans have got right behind us and at times dragged us over the line.
“That’s unique and a strength of this football club and community.
“You can hear everything on the touchline, sometimes you don’t want to, because they’re that close. They’re on top of you and it’s a unique atmosphere.
“It is hostile, it is noisy, and when they start beating that drum it’s an atmosphere to savour.”
Coughlan watched on from Dublin as his beloved Manchester United celebrated completing the Treble in Barcelona in 1999
Newport will face a struggling Erik ten Hag side that are a different outfit to the ones Coughlan grew up watchingCredit: Getty More

EMI MARTINEZ produced a world class performance between the sticks but should not expect a pat on the back from Villa boss Unai Emery.His one-man shut out mission means these two Premier League sides must go through it all again in a fourth round replay in Birmingham the week after next.
Chelsea and Aston Villa face an FA Cup replay after a 0-0 draw at Stamford BridgeCredit: AP
Both sides had plenty of chances but neither could find a breakthroughCredit: Getty
Emery can say all he likes in public about his Villa keeper’s Man of the Match display – in private he will be as frustrated as Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino over a repeat performance.
Cup replays are seen as a necessary evil in the days where Premier League points mean so much more than the sideshow of the FA Cup, which is sad.
But politics aside, Martinez succeeded in his personal quest to keep a steadily improving Chelsea team at bay with a show of bravery and reaction that is key to Villa’s impressive longevity this season.
They will be favourites to go through in the return at Villa Park for sure.
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At least half a dozen times the Argentine World Cup winner was on hand, on foot, in fact on every part of his anatomy to block the way to goal on a night when his team was under the cosh for long periods.
For Chelsea, the euphoria of reaching the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday has given them a vast injection of self-confidence,
However, they were made to work much harder last night than against Championship Middlesbrough in midweek when they ran in six goals.
At least both managers gave the Cup its due respect by fielding strong line ups. 
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Chelsea in particular could have used Tuesday’s semi final second leg as an excuse to roll out the B-listers.
In a much-needed boost for Pochettino he was also able to welcome back Beniot Badiashile from injury for his first game since December 27.
But as ever with Chelsea these days, it was one step forwards and one back as his defensive team-mate Levi Colwill got injured in the warm up. 
That meant a last-minute swap with rookie right-sided defender Alfie Gilchrist starting his second successive Cup game.
In turn Badiashile shuffled along and slotted in as emergency left back in Colwill’s absence, even though Ben Chilwell was on the bench.
Chelsea and Villa left everything on the pitchCredit: PA
There were big saves at both endsCredit: AFP
If that left the home side’s defence in a muddle, it certainly showed when Villa took what they thought was the justified lead in the 12th minute.
A downward barrelling header from Youri Tielemans inside the six yard box was punched over the bar by Chelsea keeper Djordje Petrovic.
From the corner Douglas Luiz and John McGinn worked a neat trick to switch places and work the ball swiftly to the edge of the box with Chelsea’s defenders off guard.
A curling shot by Moussa Diaby cannoned off the head of young Gilchrist and into the path of Luiz who merely had to bundle the ball over the line.
Only VAR saw otherwise and after a thirty second check scrubbed out Villa’s brief lead.
Emi Martinez had a fine game between the sticksCredit: AFP
Ben Chilwell made another appearance after returning from injuryCredit: AFP
The let off sparked a reaction from Chelsea, who upped a gear or two going forwards to put Villa under pressure for most of the first half after that.
But with two successive clean sheets, Villa keeper Martinez is in buoyant mood and was in no mood to give up his run of form easily.
In the first half alone he threw his legs in the way of a shot by Noni Madueke from point blank range. Moments later he denied the normally precise Cole Palmer from putting Chesea ahead.
Madueke was frustrated again on the half hour mark with what would have been the best move and goal of the night.
Raheem Sterling and Palmer combined on the left with the latter cutting the ball back from the by-line straight into the path of his England youth team pal.
Mauricio Pochettino now faces a tough visit to Villa ParkCredit: Rex
Unai Emery will be hoping his side can do the business at homeCredit: Alamy
But Madueke was thwarted once more when Martinez plonked his sizeable frame in the path of the resultant shot to keep Villa on level terms once more.
And the South American wasn’t finished there. Grabbing a dangerous cross from Gallagher out on the right prevented a dangerous situation and he dived bravely at the feet of the advancing Sterling two minutes before the break.
And when Chelsea threw the big boys up front with Badiashile climbing to power a header towards goal from inside six yards, Villa’s last man was there again to see off the threat.
Even when a mistake came in the second half – and it was a biggy – Lady Luck was smiling on Martinez.
His attempted clearance from goal failed to achieve lift off and the ball smacked into the back of unsuspecting Palmer.
When gravity brought it earthwards, Pochettino’s £40m player tried to side-foot volley his shot and it ended up trickling harmlessly through to the grateful Villa stopper.
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Matinez was also at his sharpest seven minutes from time when an underhit back pass by Boubacar Kamara put Conor Gallagher clean through but Martinez showed nifty footwork to beat him to the ball and hoof it clear.
When Villa did threaten they found Chelsea keeper Djordje Petrovic in almost as good form as Martinez at the other end. The Serb’s best effort was blocking a powerful shot by Matty Cash. More