Maidstone star cries on live TV after spectacular FA Cup win over Ipswich - 'It means a lot'

Maidstone star cries on live TV after spectacular FA Cup win over Ipswich - 'It means a lot'

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Maidstone beat Ipswich in huge FA Cup upset

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 27/01/2024

- 14:43

Updated: 27/01/2024

- 15:43

The minnows are through to the fifth round of the prestigious competition

Maidstone United goalkeeper Lucas Covolan was left in tears following his side's memorable 2-1 FA Cup win over Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The National League side were playing in their seventh match of the competition and were expected to lose to a side second in the Championship table.


But Maidstone made history with a 2-1 victory at Portman Road that sees them through to the fifth round of the competition.

Lamar Reynolds put the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute with a sublime chip that sailed over the head of Christian Walton.

Maidstone United

Maidstone United star Lucas Conovan cried on live TV after his side's FA Cup win over Ipswich

BBC

The hosts then proceeded to respond through a deflected strike from Jeremy Sarmiento.

But Maidstone booked their place in the next round through a neat finish from Sam Corne, sending those sat in the away end wild in the process.

One player who stood tall during the showdown was goalkeeper Lucas.

The Brazilian made several top saves to keep Ipswich at bay and ensure his side go through at their expense.

And Lucas was emotional at full time, crying as he spoke to the BBC and reflecting on the biggest, and best, day of his career so far.

"It means a lot. I just want to thank my whole family, wife and everybody supporting us," said the 32-year-old.

"My career in the last few years was not very good and now all the bad part comes in my head and we produce this. It's unreal.

"It's a normal day at the office! I had a great game. I am so happy I could help my teammates.

"We are in the hat again and hopefully I can get a move now to the Championship.

"What we have achieved is something unbelievable. To be in the last 16 teams in England it's brilliant.

"We kept fighting until the end, bodies on the line and everything."

Corner also spoke out after his goal sent the minnows through to the last 16 of the tournament.

And the Maidstone star praised his side for their belief and courage as they kept their dream of glory alive.

"I don’t think I’ve got the words to describe it," he admitted, cutting an emotional figure on the pitch as well.

"We had belief and it showed on the pitch, that desire to put our bodies on the line.

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Maidstone Ipswich

Maidstone had goalkeeper Lucas Colovan to thank after their dramatic FA Cup win over Ipswich

GETTY

"The manager said we had to have that belief not to sit too deep, to counter-attack and if we did concede we may be able to nick another one and we did that.

"The fans aren’t going anywhere, they'll stay and celebrate.

"To follow us all the way to Ipswich, they are the 12th man for us and helped us through, especially in the later stages."

And a thrilled Reynolds added: "Not a lot of people can say they get to this round, especially as a non-league club playing a team from the Championship. It's amazing.

"It was massive. We knew counterattacks were going to be important. I was lucky enough to get a good finish.

Maidstone Ipswich

Maidstone players were visibly emotional after beating Ipswich in the fourth round of the FA Cup

GETTY

"Sam (Corne) has run hard (for the second goal) and I’ve seen him, played it and it’s the cherry on the top."

Maidstone will find out their fifth round opponents when the draw is made on Sunday.

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