Maidstone United manager George Elokobi one booking away from a two-match touchline ban with FA Cup fourth-round tie at Ipswich looming | Harsh caution against Dartford leaves boss treading carefully

Maidstone manager George Elokobi is walking an FA Cup tightrope after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

Elokobi faces a two-match touchline ban if he receives another yellow card following his latest caution in the Stones’ 2-1 win over Dartford on Tuesday night.

And with Maidstone just a couple of weeks away from visiting Ipswich in the FA Cup fourth round, he’ll need to tread carefully to ensure he’s in the dugout at Portman Road.

He can count himself more than a little unfortunate with the two cards he’s collected since serving a one-game ban against Chippenham before Christmas.

The boss was booked at Tonbridge on Boxing Day despite attempting to play peacemaker amid in a melee in front of the Maidstone dugout following the hosts’ late equaliser.

And he was cautioned against Dartford while he tried to clear up why physio Steven Beasley had been waved on by referee Tom Ellsmore after Paul Appiah went down with cramp.

Ipswich v Maidstone on telly

“From my understanding, I think Paul has been going down with cramp and the ref wanted Steven on and I was trying to get why he wanted him on,” said Elokobi.

“I think I had my hand just on Steven and the ref said I was trying to delay time and booked me.

“That’s the interpretation of officials. I’m not here to complain about it. I thought he was good in his officiating.

“He interpreted that I was trying to waste time, which is not part of what we do here, but I’ve got no complaints.

“I think it’s a two-game ban if I get another booking.

“I don’t know how I need to act around it.

“I’m trying my hardest, and it’s difficult, but I need to get on with it.”

Maidstone, third in National League South, visit second-bottom Havant tomorrow (3pm).

The Stones’ 3-1 victory over