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Maidstone’s Devonte Aransibia admitted his FA Cup match-winning performance was a dream come true.
It was a first time featuring in the competition proper for the 22-year-old former Norwich City youngster.
But he certainly made his mark by putting the Stones ahead early on and then setting up substitute Levi Amantchi in the second half.
It sets up a tie at home to League 2 Barrow in the Second Round.
“This is the furthest I’ve ever been,” said Aransibia. “It’s the first time I’ve played in the competition proper and I’m happy to get into the Second Round and want to see how far we can go.
“It’s definitely a dream come true. We’ve just got to keep going.
“I can’t even put into words how happy I am about the run we’re going on, and in the league we’re doing well as well.
“It’s such a wonderful cup, anything can happen in it. We’ve just got to be the best team on the day.
“It was a great result, the boys worked their socks off and it was amazing to contribute a goal and an assist.
“I knew Liam Sole was going to put the ball into the box so I went in there and got on the end of it.”
It’s been a tough week for Aransibia, who came in for stick from some sections of Stones fans following last week’s draw at Weston-super-Mare.
But some tough love from Maidstone boss George Elokobi gave Aransibia the backing he needed to refocus the mind.
“George is always looking after his players,” stated Aransibia. “He’s looked after me, he’s trusted me and said he’ll have my back no matter what.
“I’m grateful to have someone like him behind me, especially in the hard times when it might not necessarily be going my way.
Stones boss Elokobi on why he backed Aransibia to deliver
“We had a bit of a discussion about it, he pushed me on and told me to keep going and it’s all played out in the right direction.
“It’s my first season playing at wing-back and I’ve learned quite a lot through George with him teaching me how to play that position.”
