George Elokobi’s fairytale FA Cup run with Maidstone United came to an end on Monday night as the non-league side was beaten 5-0 by Coventry City in the fifth round.
Maidstone had become the first sixth-tier side to reach this stage of the competition since 1978, knocking out three EFL teams along the way.
But the dream ended for player-manager Elokobi and his players at the Coventry Building Society Arena as the Sky Blues booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Ellis Simms netted a first-half hat-trick for the hosts before two late goals from Fabio Tavares completed the rout.
It was a case of men against boys at times as Coventry’s quality shone through, but Maidstone can hold their heads high after a memorable cup adventure.
Starting their run back in September, Maidstone battled past Canvey Island, Aldershot Town, Barrow, Stevenage, and Ipswich Town to reach the last 16.
Former Cameroon international Elokobi, 38, will be proud of the efforts of his players during their giant-killing acts over the past five months.
While the magic ended on Monday night, the minnows provided another reminder of why the FA Cup remains so special.
