How Premier League cult hero’s rallying pre-match speech inspired non-league Maidstone to shock FA Cup win over Ipswich
HOURS before George Elokobi orchestrated Maidstone United’s famous giant-killing of Ipswich Town, he was whipping their travelling fans up into a frenzy.
The ex-Premier League star, 37, addressed the away supporters ahead of the kick off against the Championship side as they arrived at Portman Road.
X Craig TuckerGeorge Elokobi addresses Maidstone United’s fans with a rousing speech[/caption]
GettyLiam Sole leads the celebrations for Maidstone United’s heroes[/caption]
With the players waiting in the wings, the former Wolves defender gave a rousing speech that was cheered by a group of the team’s followers.
“Maidstone United are history makers,” he began to the crowd.
“No one can take away what we, including these special group of players, have done.
“So let’s saviour every moment, every single minute of today’s occasion and showing respect to Ipswich Town.
“We’re going to come here and give it our absolute best. And we will enjoy the game.”
Just before he could finish, the gathering crowd cheered the hulking Elokobi’s emphatic words.
They then clapped the players into the stadium, chanting club songs as the players walked through to the ground.
Elokobi’s words appeared to have the desired effect.
Not only did the Maidstone fans cheer their side on to a famous victory, his players responded to his rallying cry.
The Kent side brought 4,472 fans for the journey on what was a memorable day.
Maidstone’s match-winner was Sam Corne who scored in the 66th winner to help his side to a 2-1 win.
The National League South side are the fist club from outside the top five tiers of English football to read the FA Cup fifth round since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
ReutersMaidstone United’s Sam Corne was the hero – netting the winner[/caption]
GettyGeorge Elokobi orchestrated the famous giant-killing win[/caption]
After the game, Elokobi said: “We had to be lucky in the first half but then we had to be resilient.
“And we knew they played so high, so can we catch them on the break if we played the right passes and had the runners behind.
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“There were a few tears. We have come to Ipswich, with their history, they are flying high in the Championship and for our group of players to be clapped off is amazing.
“Our boys have run themselves into the ground and that is what we said, ‘leave nothing in the changing room’.
“This binds us for life, what our boys are achieving right now. What our boys are achieving now has not been done over over 100 years. The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive.”
