George Elokobi: Maidstone United manager 'very excited' about Ipswich Town FA Cup draw
- Published
Sam Corne (right) scored the only goal of the game as Maidstone United beat Stevenage on Saturday
Maidstone United manager George Elokobi has said he is "very, very excited" about a trip to Ipswich Town in the FA Cup fourth round.
The National League South team beat League One Stevenage 1-0 in the third round to reach the last 32.
The draw meant the non-league outfit missed out on facing a Premier League club for the second round running.
"They are a Championship outfit vying to be in the Premier League in the next few months," said Elokobi.
"We have done magnificently hosting Stevenage, there was a lot of pressure and we handled that fantastically well - now, for our football club being on the map, we've drawn again a fantastic football club.
"This is why we are in the FA Cup, the fairy tale continues. Win or lose, it's win, win for Maidstone United Football Club. For me, it's a terrific draw."
Elokobi said before the Stevenage match that he hoped his own journey from Cameroon would inspire young people in his home town.
Now, the former Wolves defender says the day out at Portman Road, for the lowest-ranked club still in the cup, is something the Maidstone community must celebrate.
"I'm very, very excited," Elokobi told BBC Radio Kent. "This is the magic of the FA Cup. This is what it does. It brings our community and binds us together. It makes us even stronger - inspiring the younger generation most importantly.
"We need to go to Ipswich and enjoy the occasion as a community and we all need to relax and when the time comes enjoy it."
Ipswich are second in the Championship, 10 points behind leaders Leicester City but three points clear of Southampton in third spot.
Maidstone defender Chi Ezennolim said the players were hopeful they could land a trip to one of the top stadiums in the country.
"We wanted a Premier League team as it's a bigger day out for the fans as well," he said.
"We'll take it - it's a big stadium, really good opposition. It will be a good challenge for us playing against boys that are flying in the Championship [and] looking to get into the Premier League."