Maidstone face another Championship trip after FA Cup giant-killing
Giant-killers Maidstone will play Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The National League South club from Kent pulled off one of the great upsets in the competition’s history by winning 2-1 at Ipswich on Saturday.
They will now travel to another Championship side to face the winners of the replay between the Owls and the Sky Blues in the last 16.
Holders Manchester City were one of three teams still in the pot when Maidstone were pulled out, but captain Gavin Hoyte was nonetheless happy with the draw.
Championship? Completed it mate.#WeGoAgain pic.twitter.com/72ftzkECX5
— Maidstone United (@maidstoneunited) January 28, 2024
“Another Championship side,” he told Sky Sports News.
“It’s going to be a big day out for us. It’s incredible to get into the fifth round. We are not disappointed.”
Manager George Elokobi admitted he fancied a trip to his former club Wolves.
Nevertheless, he said: “In my opinion it’s a good draw for both clubs. We have to make sure that when the time comes we go again.
“My personal preference was Wolves and I was disappointed that we didn’t draw them to be honest. But it’s not about me, it’s about our football club and our players and we have to go out and do it again.
“The magic of the cup is still very much alive and on the day we will be ready and hopefully we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”
City were instead drawn away at Luton, while Newcastle face a trip to the winners of Monday’s tie between Blackburn and Wrexham.
Chelsea or Aston Villa will host Leeds or Plymouth while Brighton travel to Wolves and Bournemouth entertain Championship leaders Leicester.
Liverpool, who beat Norwich 5-2 on Sunday, will welcome Watford or Southampton to Anfield.
Manchester United will head to the winners of the replay between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest after they got past League Two Newport 4-2.