Maidstone FA Cup match at Ipswich, according to Gavin Hoyte, was one of his greatest professional moments.
One of the highlights of former Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte’s career will be taking non-league Maidstone into a historic FA Cup fourth-round clash at Ipswich, he thinks.
This is the first time the National League South club, the lowest-ranked squad still in the league, has advanced this far since their 1992 restructuring.
Stones captain Hoyte played against an Argentina team that included Lionel Messi during his international career with Trinidad and Tobago. Hoyte made four first-team appearances for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger in 2008, including one Premier League game.
“This is totally different; it all builds up; we had six games just before this (to get to this point),” the 33-year-old Dagenham native remarked after moving to Maidstone in 2019.
“I get to start the team off; hopefully I’m on the field!
It’s undoubtedly the most significant achievement of my career. I may not have this chance again because I’m almost at the end of it.
It’s simple to get up for these games. All you need to do is make sure that nobody is deviating from the game plan.
“On special occasions, you may want to go above and beyond, but it’s crucial that we follow the plan.”
After three FA Cup qualifying matches, Maidstone defeated Chesham in the first round, then shocked League One team Stevenage and Sky Bet League Two team Barrow.
The prize for the Kent team is a televised match on Saturday lunchtime against the Tractor Boys, who are now second in the championship. Less than 4,500 away fans are expected to travel to Portman Road for this match.
Sam Corne, a midfielder for the Stones, scored goals in the previous two rounds and is once again enjoying his underdog position.
Playing against a top-tier team is an experience that everyone dreams of, according to Corne.
“On occasion, the lower league teams we play are the more formidable opponents. However, when we play Barrow and Stevenage, we are always the underdog, and we enjoy it.”
“There is nothing for us to lose. Anything is possible as long as we provide a positive image of ourselves and follow the strategy.
Since taking over as manager permanently in March 2023, George Elokobi has led Maidstone to a spectacular cup run and fourth place in the sixth division.
Regardless of the result in Suffolk, the 37-year-old former Wolves defender will be happy with his team.
“The players have accomplished something truly remarkable; the magnitude of that outcome (against Stevenage) has elevated this community’s profile globally,” Elokobi remarked.
“It would be imprudent of us to alter our previous procedures just because it is Ipswich.
We’re treating them with the utmost respect, and we understand that things may go horribly wrong if we’re not at our very best on the big day.
“But we will be proud of our group of players,,, even if it ends badly.”
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