Maidstone from non-league side to face lower division team in FA Cup draw
The FA Cup fourth round provided some thrilling matches, including Maidstone United’s stunning victory over Ipswich Town, making them the first non-league team to reach the fifth round since 1978. Managed by former Wolves defender George Elokobi, Maidstone United will now face either Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry City in the next round. The draw for the fifth round also sees holders Manchester City facing a trip to Luton Town and Liverpool taking on either Watford or Southampton. The fixtures are scheduled for Feb. 28, with the final set for May 25 at Wembley. The competition has certainly been full of surprises and promises more excitement in the upcoming rounds.
On January 28, 2024, at 10:52 AM ET, Maidstone United achieved a significant result in the FA Cup by defeating Ipswich Town in the fourth round of the competition. Maidstone United, as the lowest-ranked team in the competition, has been drawn against either Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry City in the FA Cup fifth round. This outcome means that the team missed out on a glamourous tie against Premier League opposition. The fixture between Wednesday and Coventry ended in a 1-1 draw on Friday, and a replay scheduled to be held on February 6 will ultimately determine which team Maidstone United will face. Managed by former Wolves defender George Elokobi, the National League south side secured a historic victory against Championship club Ipswich Town on Saturday, making them the first non-league team to reach the fifth round since 1978.
The fifth round fixtures are due to take place on February 28, with the final scheduled for May 25 at Wembley. The draw for the fifth round was delayed until halftime of Liverpool’s home tie against Norwich City after Wolves’ 2-0 win at West Brom was interrupted by crowd trouble.
The full draw for the fifth round is as follows:
Blackburn Rovers/Wrexham vs. Newcastle United
Chelsea/Aston Villa vs. Leeds United/Plymouth
Bournemouth vs. Leicester City
Liverpool vs. Watford/Southampton
Bristol City/Nottingham Forest vs. Newport County/Manchester United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Brighton
Sheffield Wednesday/Coventry vs. Maidstone United
Luton Town vs. Manchester City
This information includes contributions from Reuters.
