Published On: Sun, Jan 28th, 2024

Maidstone stun Ipswich in incredible FA Cup giant-killing after Lamar Reynolds wondergoal | Football | Sport


Non-league Maidstone United pulled off arguably the biggest FA Cup upset in recent memory by defeating Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town in the fourth round. The Stones currently sit 93 positions below Ipswich in the English league system but managed to claim a remarkable 2-1 victory, with Lamar Reynolds scoring an incredible chip before Sam Corne found the net after the break.

Maidstone started firmly on the back foot at Portman Road, with Ipswich taking control of the match from the very first whistle. Jeremy Sarmiento, Nathan Broadhead and George Edmundson all missed huge chances to open the scoring for the hosts, who were made to pay for their wastefulness just before the half-time whistle.

Reynolds found himself through one-on-one after latching onto a hopeful long ball up the pitch before pulling off an excellent chip to beat the onrushing Christian Walton and give Maidstone a surprise lead. The goal sparked pandemonium on the touchline, with a number of Maidstone substitutes rushing over to celebrate with Reynolds as he wheeled away.

Ipswich legend Terry Butcher was running the rule over the game on BBC Radio 5 Live and said: “It was a good clearance from Maidstone from the corner and just one ball clear gets Reynolds beyond the Ipswich defence.

“It was the most beautifully professional finish you will see. He takes his time. I thought he was going to smash it but Walton commits to going low as he comes out to make the save and Reynolds just dinks the ball over his head. What a finish, unbelievable, and a deserved reward for their efforts so far.

“It was a South American-style finish from Reynolds. Lionel Messi would have done that himself in that situation, I’m sure. Reynolds was very, very composed. Maidstone look more composed and relaxed with every minute.”

Ipswich went on to equalise just before the hour mark when Sarmiento found the bottom corner with a deflected effort from the edge of the box. Maidstone were not done, though, and wasted little time in restoring their lead with Corne finishing low past Walton following a rapid counter.

Maidstone goalkeeper Lucas Covolan pulled off a string of fine saves to keep his side in front as Ipswich upped the intensity in the closing stages. They somehow managed to weather the storm until the final whistle, prompting scenes of wild celebration in the 5,000-strong away end.

The sixth-tier Stones are the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup after reaching the fifth round for the first time in their 32-year history. They managed to beat Chesham United in the first round proper before claiming huge wins against league opposition in Barrow, Stevenage and Ipswich to maintain their incredible run.

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