Co-owner Oliver Ash looks back on the first anniversary of Maidstone United’s extraordinary FA Cup fourth-round win at Ipswich Town

It’s a year today since the most extraordinary afternoon in Maidstone United’s history.

Twelve months on, it still seems barely believable that the Stones went to Ipswich Town in the FA Cup fourth round and won.

The Championship high-fliers were 98 places above George Elokobi’s National League South underdogs and heading for the Premier League.

None of the 4,500 Stones fans arriving at Portman Road on January 27 2024 could have imagined what was to unfold over the next few hours as Maidstone pulled off an incredible 2-1 victory.

Lamar Reynolds and Sam Corne scored with the visitors’ only two shots of the match, while Town rained in 38 attempts on Lucas Covolan’s goal before a crowd of 28,000 and millions watching at home on live TV.

“Even as I talk to you about it now, it seems like it can’t have happened really,” says Stones co-owner Oliver Ash.

“It was a special day and the great thing is it was enjoyed by so many thousands of our fans. I’m sure they’ll remember it forever.”

Maidstone had already beaten two Football League clubs to reach the fourth round for the first time in their history.

They came from behind to beat Barrow in round two - Bivesh Gurung’s wonder goal winning it for the Stones after Corne’s equaliser - then Corne scored the only goal from the penalty spot to see off Stevenage.

There was great excitement when Maidstone landed a trip to Portman Road in the last 32.

Fans cramming into the Spitfire Lounge to watch the draw may have been hoping for one of the Premier League big boys.

But Ipswich - 1962 league champions, 1978 FA Cup winners, 1981 UEFA Cup winners and a club steeped in tradition - was a brilliant reward nonetheless.

And Stones boss Elokobi knew it.

“Ipswich is a fantastic club - it’s a huge