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Maidstone United: Fans jubilant after shock FA Cup win

Daniel Sexton at Portman Road
BBC News, South East
Getty Images A group of Maidstone fans wearing yellow and black Maidstone United kits, hats and scarves gather outside the Ipswich stadiumGetty Images
Almost 4,500 Maidstone United fans gathered at Ipswich's Portman Road ground for the game on Saturday

Maidstone United fans are jubilant after a shock win against Ipswich Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Sixth-tier Maidstone beat the Championship side 2-1 in the match at Portman Road on Saturday.

Almost 4,500 made their way to Suffolk to watch The Stones in what was a historic game for the club.

A stunning first-half goal from Lamar Reynolds and a 66th minute winner from Sam Corne sealed the win for the Kent side.

A young white man with dark hair and a bears smiles at the camera wearing a Maidstone United and Ipswich Town scarf and black coat
Henry Fowler is the twin of Maidstone defender George Fowler, who used to play for Ipswich

Fans were in high spirits outside Portman Road after the final whistle.

Henry Fowler, twin brother of Maidstone defender George Fowler, said it was a "pretty mad day".

"We actually live in Ipswich so it was weird being in the away end - but what a brilliant day. I'm so proud of him."

Another fan added the game was "unbelievable and you don't expect that to happen - I was expecting us to lose 4-1."

An older white man with white hair and tinted glasses smiles at the camera in a bright yellow Maidstone shirt, scarf and grey coat
Richard has been going to Maidstone games for over 50 years

Richard said: "To get even one goal was a surprise, that was a delight. I think I will wake up in a minute and we will be getting massacred 7-0."

Angela said: "That was totally unexpected but that was unreal, amazing. That's a match I won't be forgetting for a while."

Her son Tom added: "That was unreal and I enjoyed that so much. I can't believe that. Manchester City away next please."

A large family group cheer and smile whilst wearing Maidstone united outfits and hats outside the stadium
Fans jubilantly gathered outside Portman Road and chanted: "Maidstone are massive everywhere we go!"

Rhys told BBC South East: "It was a good atmosphere and a really good day out. I'm sure we'll have a good night out and make the most of it. Up the Stones!"

Mark added: "You don't get these days come along often so you have to enjoy them while you can."

Post-match, another Maidstone fan said: "I was shaking during the game - I still am. I want to say I was expecting that but that was amazing."

A group of maidstone fans holding a flag showing the face of Maidstone midfielder Sam Corne
Maidstone fans serenaded midfielder Sam Corne, who scored the winner in the match

Maidstone have became the first sixth-tier club to qualify for the fifth round of the FA Cup since 1978.

The draw will take place on Sunday afternoon and Maidstone will be ball number nine.

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