Ipswich Town v Maidstone United: Sixth-tier side looking to cause FA Cup shock
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FA Cup: Sixth-tier Maidstone United beat League One side Stevenage
FA Cup fourth round on the BBC |
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Dates: 25-29 January Coverage: Watch three live games on BBC - Ipswich Town v Maidstone United (12:30 GMT), live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app on Saturday, 27 January; Newport County v Manchester United (16:30 GMT), live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app on Sunday, 28 January; Blackburn Rovers v Wrexham (19:30 GMT), live on BBC Wales, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app on Monday, 29 January |
"Non-league sides aren't supposed to be here," says Maidstone United captain Gavin Hoyte.
However, on Saturday Hoyte will be leading out the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup in arguably the biggest game in their history.
Separated by almost 100 places in the English football pyramid, Maidstone's incredible journey takes them to Portman Road to face Premier League promotion chasers - and former cup winners - Ipswich Town in round four.
The National League South side will take a 4,000-strong army of fans from Kent to Suffolk looking to reach the last 16 in the world's oldest cup competition.
"Someone said to us the other day that 730 clubs began [the competition] and there are 32 left, so it's a big thing," former Arsenal defender Hoyte, 33, told BBC Radio Kent.
"There's life outside of the Premier League and EFL and we can still be successful, there are some very good players in the non-league system so it's a good chance to showcase ourselves against a very good side.
"We're taking 4,000 fans with us and I'm sure we're going to hear them.
"They're going to give us that extra boost that will be needed."
'It's the icing on the cake'- Elokobi
Former Wolves defender George Elokobi became Maidstone boss in January 2023
Maidstone's run this season has been a remarkable turnaround from the disappointment of relegation from the National League last season.
Having already shocked League Two promotion-chasers Barrow in the second round, they defeated League One Stevenage in front of their own fans at Gallagher Stadium in round three.
And boss George Elokobi has now called on his players to step up to their biggest challenge yet in the game which is being shown on BBC One (12:30 GMT kick-off).
"It's not about me, it's about our football club and our community as a whole, it's a historic moment," 37-year-old Elokobi said.
"We have to go there and enjoy the occasion competing against a Championship side in front of the cameras.
"It's going to be amazing. It's the icing on the cake to play in front of millions."
'We are there to be shot at' - McKenna
Kieran McKenna has led Ipswich to second in the Championship
The game represents a potential banana skin for the Tractor Boys as their resurrection under Kieran McKenna continues.
They are second in the Championship amid a remarkable season and are looking to return to the top tier for the first time since 2002.
McKenna's side reached the fourth round with a 3-1 win against League Two AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane.
And the boss has warned his players they are the "team who are there to be shot at".
"It's an exciting FA Cup tie, Maidstone have done fantastically well to reach this position," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.
"They are the lowest-ranked team [left] in the competition and I watched their game against Stevenage, great scenes of celebration.
"We are favourites to win the tie and the team with the pressure to go on and win and go through to the next round."