Maidstone's FA Cup run an 'inspiration' - Elokobi

George Elokobi led Maidstone to the FA Cup fifth round last season, where they lost to Coventry

Maidstone's memorable run to the FA Cup fifth round last season is an inspiration to the club's new players, says manager George Elokobi.

The National League South side became the lowest ranked team in 46 years to reach the last 16 when they beat Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town in the fourth round.

Their journey from the second round of qualifying captured the attention of the nation and took them to within two games of a Wembley semi-final.

Ellis Simms scored a hat-trick as the Stones were finally knocked out in a 5-0 hammering by Championship side Coventry City - who would go on to suffer semi-final heartbreak in a penalty shootout defeat against eventual winners Manchester United.

"The new players we recruited in the summer knew about the history we created and wanted to be part of it," Elokobi told BBC Radio Kent.

"It's an inspiration and it motivates them to want to do well in the FA Cup competition this season."

A remarkable journey to the last 16

Sam Corne [second from left] scored in the second, third and fourth rounds of Maistone's FA Cup run

Away wins over Steyning Town, Winchester City and Torquay United put the Stones in the hat for the first round last season.

A 2-0 win at Chesham United set up their first home tie against Barrow at Gallagher Stadium, with Sam Corne and Bivesh Gurung scoring in a 2-1 comeback victory to send the Kent club to the third round for the first time in their history.

Corne scored from the penalty spot to seal a 1-0 win over Stevenage and set up a fourth-round tie at Portman Road against Ipswich.

Corne scored again as they stunned the side 98 places above them in the football pyramid 2-1 to complete one of the all-time great FA Cup shocks and become the lowest ranked team to reach the last 16 since Blyth Spartans in 1977-78.

A trip to Coventry in the fifth round proved a step too far though as they were well beaten by their Championship opponents but the Stones had sealed their place in history.

'No pressure to repeat last season'

Lamar Reynolds gave Maidstone the lead in their shock victory at Ipswich last season

The Stones have beaten Hampton and Richmond Borough, Herne Bay and Ebbsfleet United to once again reach the first round proper, where they travel to face National League Solihull Moors on Saturday.

Maidstone go into the game 15th in National League South but are undefeated in their last five league games.

"There's no pressure for our players to go out and reproduce what we did last season," said former Wolves defender Elokobi.

"We're playing a game against a team from the above division, so we know it will be a tough game.

"It doesn't matter whatever draw you get at this stage of the competition, everyone is getting in the first round proper by merit."

'We have to go there with confidence'

Solihull sit one point and one place off the play-offs having lost the National League promotion final on penalties to Bromley last season.

"Solihull Moors is a good team, I think it’s a good draw for us," Elokobi added.

"No opposition is an easier draw or is going to be a pushover; you have to earn the right to be able to get in the second round.

"I'm expecting a tough test because they have some really good players in their squad who can hurt you individually but also collectively. They're a good side, they've been playing well.

"There's no reason to be scared, we have to go there with confidence."