Maidstone 2 Barrow 1: Reaction from manager George Elokobi as United reach FA Cup third round for the first time since 1988

George Elokobi said the gods were with Bivesh Gurung after his extraordinary FA Cup winner for Maidstone.

Local lad Gurung’s 74th-minute rocket against League 2 high-fliers Barrow came after his number had gone up to be substituted.

But he remained on the pitch at the last moment, with Sol Wanjau-Smith taken off instead after going down injured.

Midfielder Gurung made the most of his reprieve with a stunning 20-yard strike to earn a 2-1 comeback victory and a place in the third round for the first time since 1988.

The draw will be made on Sunday lunchtime, before the Eastleigh v Reading tie, with United dreaming of facing a Premier League giant.

Stones boss Elokobi felt it was fitting Gurung scored the winner.

“This result is history in terms of how our players have gone about it - and what a way to win it by Bivesh Gurung,” said Elokobi.

“I was laughing and I was walking around just shaking my head.

“As soon as it left his feet we knew it was going in but if there’s one person that deserves it, in my book, it’s Bivesh.

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