Coventry crush Maidstone to ruin non-league side’s FA Cup fairytale

LONDON: Ellis Simms ruined Maidstone’s FA Cup fairytale as his hattrick inspired Coventry’s 5-0 win against the non-league giant-killers in the fifth round.

Simms struck three times in the first half and Fabio Tavares (pic) bagged a late double to take second tier Coventry into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009.

Maidstone, who play in the sixth tier National League South, had captured the hearts of football romantics with their run to the last 16.

They had survived seven ties to become the first team outside the top five divisions to reach the fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.

George Elokobi’s men had stunned Championship promotion chasers Ipswich with a 2-1 win at Portman Road in the fourth round.

But Coventry, who won the FA Cup in 1987, were never in danger of suffering the same fate as Ipswich.

“How can I not be proud of our community and our players. They gave it their all today. Massive congratulations to them,” Elokobi said.

“The magic of the FA Cup is still alive. When we began this FA Cup journey, we knew we weren’t going to win it. It was about showcasing our talent and skills. We have done that.

“It’s given us life moments to remember together. Everyone connected to the club are proud of us.”newly-crowned League Cup winners Liverpool host second tier Southampton today.

Manchester United travel to Nottingham Forest today, with Chelsea taking on Leeds at Stamford Bridge the same day.

The other ties see Bournemouth play Leicester, Newcastle visit Blackburn and Wolves host Brighton.