Maidstone United manager George Elokobi expressed his immense pride despite seeing his side’s FA Cup run end by a 5-0 defeat at Coventry on Monday night.
The National League South side had become the first sixth-tier club to reach the fifth round in over 40 years after knocking out three EFL teams.
But Coventry proved a step too far as Ellis Simms’ first-half hat-trick put the tie beyond the minnows.
“I’m super proud of our players, super proud of our community, and how we have gone about this historic FA Cup run,” said former Cameroon defender Elokobi.
“There has been so much attention. They have inspired so many people. This is a moment we will never forget in the history of the club.”
Despite the heavy defeat, Elokobi believes his players can hold their heads high, adding: “We are all winners, some are a little bit disappointed, but my job is to pick them up.”
The 38-year-old is keen to now fully focus on Maidstone’s league campaign as they aim to win promotion from the sixth tier.
But he is certain the club’s remarkable giant-killing acts over the past five months will live long in the memory.
