From fielding calls from Roger Milla to being the focus of the world’s media, George Elokobi will surely never forget the last few weeks. Maidstone’s miraculous FA Cup run might have come to an end thanks to a quickfire hat-trick from Ellis Simms and two late goals from Fábio Tavares that ensured it was a ruthless Coventry side that progressed to the last eight. But for Elokobi, the former defender born in Cameroon who is taking his first steps as a manager after being appointed by Maidstone last year, there was only pride.
Not since Blyth Spartans in 1978 had a team from the sixth tier reached this stage of the competition. While there was never much chance of matching the efforts of Brian Slane’s side that famously took Wrexham to a replay 46 years ago this week, the way that Maidstone kept fighting after finding themselves 3-0 down after 35 minutes was just what you would expect from an inspirational manager like Elokobi. He and assistant Craig Fagan, who have known each other since they were on the books of Colchester as young players, were the last to leave the pitch as they savoured the efforts of the travelling supporters, all of whom stayed until the end to acclaim their team.
