Maidstone United’s journey to the FA Cup fifth round and a trip to Coventry City

Maidstone United have won seven matches in their historic run to the last 16 of the FA Cup.

That’s already one more than it would take a Premier League or Championship club to win the competition.

Here’s a look back at the Stones’ journey to round five as George Elokobi’s giantkillers prepare for Monday night’s match at Championship club Coventry.

Second Qualifying Round

Sept 16: Steyning 1-4 Maidstone

Sol Wanjau-Smith’s first Stones hat-trick secured victory at Southern Combination League Steyning.

He struck twice in 12 minutes before the half-hour mark but United were glad to hear the half-time whistle after Charlie Meehan pulled a goal back.

Levi Amantchi restored the two-goal cushion just after the break and Wanjau-Smith’s half-volley completed the scoring.

Elokobi said: “Full credit to Steyning Town. They gave us a good test. It was about being professional and respecting the opposition in order to get ourselves into the hat for the next round.”

Prize money: £3,375

Third Qualifying Round

Sept 30: Winchester 0-2 Maidstone

Two goals in five second-half minutes from Levi Amantchi sent Maidstone through against their Southern League hosts.

United laboured in the first half on a difficult pitch but got the job done after the break.

Amantchi scored a fortuitous opener with Sam Bone’s strike coming back off the post and hitting him in the face, before rounding the keeper for his second.

Sol Wanjau-Smith’s Panenka penalty hit the underside of the bar and bounced over the line but wasn’t given.

Elokobi said: “We showed them the pitch and said it wasn’t going to be pretty. It looks green, however, it’s not an easy pitch. You want to be coming here now and not in the middle of winter, so it was tough but credit to the