Our coverage of Maidstone United's build up to their FA Cup fifth round clash at Coventry City has ended
That's all for today from our live page on the preparations for Maidstone United's historic FA Cup 5th round match at Coventry.
You can hear full coverage of the build up and the match from 19:00 GMT on BBC Radio Kent on 96.7,97.6 and 104.2 FM, on DAB Digital Radio, Freeview channel 719 and on BBC Sounds.
You can also follow live updates online from BBC Sport.
Image source, Rex PicturesCaptain Gavin Hoyte says he has felt the support from the local community and wants to keep the run going for as long as possible.
"When I take the kids to school, I get families coming up to me and saying 'well done'," the 33-year-old said.
"We've got the FA Cup [trophy] here [at the news conference]. That's incredible.
"To be actually competing for the quarter-finals is amazing. We are just enjoying every moment and we don't want it to end."
Jo Burn
BBC Radio Kent
Maidstone museum has joined forces with the Stones to provide 50 Spike the Dinosaurs free to foster homes in the local area.
The town has an Iguanodon on its coats of arms after bones dating from 135 million years ago were found in 1834.
Maidstone United use an Iguanodon as their mascot, and Spike is being snapped up by fans to take to tonight’s match.
The mascot, which sits on the side of Ashford Road, is often dressed up. When the team got through the last round, he was spotted sporting yellow and black balloons.
Choristers from Rochester Cathedral will also be clutching their Spikes as they sing their own version of Three Lions to support Maidstone United.
Meanwhile, Spike has been spotted rallying support from local businesses, including quite a few bars.
Fan Paul Mannering, who is going to the game today, has spoken to BBC Radio Kent about the pride the club has brought to the town.
He said: "No matter what the result tonight, the pride that Maidstone have now got in the local team is just wonderful to see."
Mr Mannering said the FA Cup run had helped "put Maidstone on the map".
"It's fantastic to see the town getting some recognition," he added.
Image source, Stephen Pond/Getty Images
James Dunn
BBC News, Coventry
The first few Maidstone fans have been queueing outside ahead of the turnstiles opening.
Many have special scarves for the day.
Some fans have balloons and there are also some tin foil cups to make their way into the away end.
Image source, Getty ImagesMaidstone United manager George Elokobi is excited about tonight’s match.
He said: “That’s what the magic of the FA Cup does.
“When you have a football club like Maidstone, in the non-league sixth tier of English football making it to the fifth round of the FA Cup – being the only non-league side there – then everyone takes notice of that.
“So it’s all credit to our football players – they’ve brought this attention to our community, to our football club and I’m super proud of everything we’ve achieved.
“It has put us on the map in a positive way.”
Image source, Maidstone Borough CouncilMaidstone’s players attended a civic reception with the town’s mayor after their 4th round victory over Ipswich.
Councillor Gordon Newton said: “I am so impressed with how well the team have played and just wanted to show my appreciation to them in some way.
"I invited them to join me and fellow councillors to help celebrate their tremendous success in getting to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
He said the Stones were "a real credit to Maidstone" and wished them "every success" in the next round against Coventry.
Dan Sexton
Final preparations are being made here ahead of tonight’s match.
A total of 4,800 Maidstone fans will soon be filling up the away end behind the goal here at the CBS.
Speaking to fans ahead of the game, there is one key word they are all saying - "believe".
Dan Sexton
BBC News, Coventry
Tom Mannering (left) and Gary Owen (right) came to Coventry last night and are staying the night after the game.
So far, they said their trip has been a "good laugh" and they are enjoying themselves with a few drinks.
They both attended Ipswich in the last round and described the atmosphere as "incredible" and said they had to “pinch themselves”.
They think tonight could go all the way to extra time with penalties to decide the game.
Image source, Shepherd NeameA brewery has created a special beer in honour of tonight's historic match.
Shepherd Neame has created the special Maidstone United IPA called "Cheeky Chip" - named after the Lamar Reynolds goal in the 4th round against Ipswich.
Fans of Maidstone United are hoping their side will be involved in another FA Cup shock at Coventry City.
After beating Championship side Ipswich Town in round four, The Stones will face the Sky Blues later, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Maidstone have sold 4,800 tickets for the fifth-round tie.
Fans are dreaming the magic of the cup will continue for at least one more game against Coventry - who won the trophy themselves in 1987.
Image source, Coventry CityCoventry City are advising all fans to arrive early for tonight's game, with a bumper crowd expected.
About 5,000 Maidstone fans are believed to be travelling to the CBS Arena.
Tom Marshall plays for Maidstone United under 23s and is the club's third choice of goalkeeper.
He said: I'm so excited. It has been a brilliant journey to get here."
Tom's mother, Suzanne, said: "The ups and downs of football are huge.
"We cannot thank Maidstone enough for the sheer joy this has brought to a parent's life."
Image source, Getty ImagesCoventry City’s manager Mark Robins is not underestimating non-league Maidstone United.
The ex-Man Utd and Norwich City star said: “There’s a chance there will be a giant-killing. It happens all the time.
“They played brilliantly against Ipswich. They will have a big following, there’s no doubt.
"They’ll be noisy. That’s why the FA Cup is so exciting.”
Matt Cole and Ben Watts from BBC Radio Kent will be bringing listeners full match commentary, with pre-match coverage starting from 7pm via BBC Sounds.
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Image source, Rex FeaturesMaidstone United's Sam Corne says the longer the club's historic FA Cup run goes on "the more you start to believe" as they aim to become the lowest-ranked team to reach the quarter-finals.
The 27-year-old has scored in each of the Stones' three previous matches in the competition, including a memorable winner at Championship side Ipswich in the fourth round.
Now as the National League South club gear up for a trip to 1987 FA Cup winners Coventry City later, Corne says the achievement will go down in history regardless of the result.
"We'll be talking about this cup run for many years to come," he told BBC Radio Kent.
"It's brilliant that we've achieved it and got this far and hopefully we can go one further."
Corne scored in the second-round win over League Two Barrow and got the game's only goal in the third-round victory against League One Stevenage, before claiming their biggest scalp over the Tractor Boys.
Maidstone are the first sixth-tier team to reach the fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1977-78.
Phil Harrison
BBC Radio Kent
Maidstone United fans have found different ways to mark the build-up of tonight's match.
Paul Mannering from Gullands solicitors has set up a pop-up shop front to show their support.
Ned Vichev from N2 Sweet Lab created a unique Maidstone United football.
Daisy-Mae Donnelly and Sian Sheridan from Flour Power Bakery will be watching the match whilst baking this evening and have made special cupcakes to mark the occasion.
