Thousands of eager Stones fans have shown their support for the hotly anticipated fifth-round FA Cup clash with Coventry by queuing for tickets before sunrise.

Maidstone United are travelling to the Championship club’s CBS Arena on Monday, February 26, for a 7.45pm match following their history-making run into the last 16 of the competition.

Jay Jay Hudson, from Maidstone, was the first person to buy a ticket today when the doors opened at 9.15am, having arrived just after 5am.

The student, who has been inspired watching the success of local lads so far in the game, described the previous match between Maidstone and Ipswich as the “best day of my life.”

Another front-of-queue supporter, Paul Clephane, 52, of Underwood Close, Maidstone, waited just over five hours to secure his ticket to the game.

Mr Clephane said: “It makes you proud to think that people who are a lot lower down the leagues can do some good, show themselves up,” and added, “I can’t wait for them to win!”

Another younger fan, Jude Lee, 10, arrived at 5.30am with his family to secure a ticket for the game which falls on his 11th birthday.

Standing at the front of the queue, he said “I was surprised we won the last match, but I knew we could do it.”

Now Jude hopes to witness Maidstone’s win on his special day.

Another young supporter, Reggie Elliott-Dunn, 13, got a 4.30am train from Paddock Wood to reach the stadium before the crowds gathered.

When asked why he would go to these lengths he said: “I wanted to make sure we get the tickets.”

“The game is really big, local to me and it will mean a lot to go,” he added.

Other supporters have also been waiting patiently for their tickets.

Joanne Clark, 41, of Kings North Road, Ashford, began queuing before 7am this morning in anticipation of the crowds.

She said: “I knew what the queues were going to be like and I’m not missing the chance to get my ticket.”

Mrs Clarke shared her excitement for the upcoming match and said: “It’s been amazing for the community, for the county, it’s put us on the map, and I love it!”

“I’ve got a real good feeling about the next game,” she added.

Fans young and old were seen lining the entrance and paths to the stadiums in high spirits.

One fan, John Farrell, 76, from Sittingbourne, came out to buy a ticket for the first time after being impressed by Maidstone’s performance.

He said: “When you look at the numbers here, it’s certainly having an impact, and it’s a good one. It’s these clubs that are so important to us.”

Maidstone United F.C manager, George Elokobi spoke to the KentOnline and said it had been amazing to drive into the Gallagher stadium and see fans in high spirits, applauding.

The manager, who has been in his role just over a year, described the impact the win against Ipswich Town had had on the community.

He said: “It’s brought our community closer together and everyone wants to be a part of the game against Coventry.”

The National League South club has been allocated 4,800 tickets behind the goal in the South Stand – just over 300 more than they received for their fourth-round victory at Ipswich Town.

Season ticket holders have been able to buy tickets since Wednesday but the general sale went live today. Tickets sold out shortly before 1.30pm.