When the ball has fun then the stories written on the grass of the pitch are unprecedented. And if anyone is looking for surprises that seem unreal, then they should definitely look to the FA Cup.
And of course a stroll down Portman Road will convince you, as this afternoon it became… come and see.
Ipswich, one of England’s most storied clubs, may not be enjoying the glory days of the 1980s, but in their FA Cup clash with Maidstone United, they were overwhelming favourites.
And how could things be different, when the infamous Maidstone competes in the sixth division of English football.
We hope you didn’t bet your money on Ipswich (they play in the Championship) looking for a match that doesn’t “break”, because then you lost your money.
The “miracle” was performed by Maidstone, who prevailed away from their opponent 2-1 and took the ticket to the round of 16 of the FA Cup, making history.
Since 1978, a team from the National League (i.e. the sixth division) had to reach the round of 16 of the Cup in England.
Then it was Blyth Spartans and now we have a repeat of the… miracle from Maidstone.
The visitors managed just two finals away to Ipswich but proved 100% effective.
Maidstone United shock Ipswich Town 2-1 to become the first team from the sixth tier to reach the last 16 of the FA Cup.
They’re more than ???????????? places below Ipswich in the English football pyramid ✨ pic.twitter.com/CE9MCmPRKn
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 27, 2024
They scored in both of their attempts and took the massive qualification while on the other hand the home side reached almost 40 finals away to Maidstone.
They scored a goal, but it was not enough to give them even a draw.
Maidstone United manager George Elokobi described the feeling as fantastic after his side’s epic qualification, while Sam Korn, who scored his side’s second goal of the game, pointed out.
“I don’t think I can find words to describe what we have achieved.” Words, however, do not matter in such a surprise, as the final score says it all.
Today is without a doubt a historic day for the Kent side and qualification over Ipswich will forever be remembered by the people of the city, while the party that will take place tonight will be like no other.
Coach and players of Maidstone will be the “heroes” and in the pubs of the city there will be a three-cover feast for a qualification that no one could have imagined.
And as for the sequel? The dreams continue and who knows, maybe the team’s next goal will be to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.