Maidstone United boss George Elokobi’s inspiring team talk revealed – which spurred his side to historic win over Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town, despite entering FA Cup as LOWEST ranked team!

Footage of Maidstone United boss George Elokobi’s rallying team talk before their shock upset at Ipswich has emerged. 

Speaking before the match, Elokobi – a former Premier League defender – was heard rallying his side. 

‘Make sure we do it out there as a team’ he said. ‘We’ve been a team and that’s why we are here today, because of our togetherness. 

‘Leave everything out on that pitch. Make sure you enjoy the moment, make sure you enjoy the occasion.’ The ex-Wolves centre-back added. 

‘Win, draw, lose, we Maidstone United football club are all winners. Let’s go!

Maidstone’s historic win was masterminded by former Premier League star George Elokobi

Corne kept his cool after being played through on goal to slot home under pressure

Maidstone went on to secure a spot in the FA Cup last 16 after their 2-1 victory over Ipswich.

Maidstone United – who entered the competition as the lowest-ranked team, harnessed the magic of the FA Cup to stun Championship high fliers Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

They became the first team from the sixth tier of English football to reach the Fifth Round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.

Lamar Reynolds and Sam Corne scored the goals to book their spot in the final 16 for the National League South team but there were heroes all over the place for Maidstone, starting with Cameroonian boss Elokobi. 

Elokobi, an ex-defender – now 37 – spent 18 years in senior English football before eventually hanging up his boots in 2022 to take on a role as manager of a Non-League outfit now in search of an FA Cup giant-killing.

After seeing Maidstone through to the last 16, the Cameroonian has done just that.

Elokobi was on the books at 11 different clubs, and won titles in League One and the Championship – including scoring a winner to end Manchester United’s 29-game winning run in 2011.

Goalkeeper Lucas Covolan also produced a stellar performance, making a series of incredible saves as Ipswich piled on the pressure in the late stages of the tie and through a nail-biting eight minutes of stoppage time to secure one of the great FA Cup upsets of all time.

Maidstone players celebrate together after Sam Corne (second left) scored the winning goal

He loved every minute of the game as Maidstone pulled off a major upset

Little wonder the scenes of jubilation at the final whistle as popular manager George Elokobi and his players celebrated with 4,500 away fans, and were graciously applauded by thousands of home fans.

Elokobi had started the day by taking his players outside the stadium before the game to address some of those supporters, with a message to enjoy the day.