George Elokobi hailed his FA Cup heroes after Maidstone’s victory over Ipswich.

The Stones bridged a gap of 98 places to win 2-1 at Portman Road and book a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Elokobi’s men were rank outsiders against a Tractor Boys side sitting second in the Championship.

But his National League South outfit, backed by 4,500 away fans, pulled off the unthinkable against Kieran McKenna’s Premier League hopefuls.

The Stones scored with their only two shots of the match while Ipswich had 38 efforts, including 13 on target, running into an inspired keeper in man-of-the-match Lucas Covolan.

“This was a historic occasion for Maidstone United, for our group of players, our supporters, but more so for our community,” said Stones boss Elokobi.

“Someone had to win today and the gods were with us.

“After the first 25 minutes we had to earn our luck and it’s important our players stayed resilient in those moments.

“We knew we wouldn’t create too many chances here because of the magnificent job Kieran is doing with Ipswich, a fantastic outfit sitting second in the Championship.

“We knew to come here and get a result was going to take some doing.

“We had to be resilient for like we saw today 98 minutes and I drummed this into our group of players and we prepared right.

“I told them one thing, go out there and enjoy the occasion.

“You are already history markers in the eyes of the world, in the eyes of the people that watch football.”

Maidstone worked their socks off to reach the last 16, with Elokobi’s unshakeable belief in his side fully vindicated.

He said: “I am a believer and every project I embark on as an individual, as a management team, we believed we could truly come here and compete against a fantastic Championship side.

“Each and every personnel that was fit to take part today knew what their jobs were.

“We knew we had to run a little bit more than we’ve ever done before but we believed and I instilled that belief to the group of players.

“When we drew Ipswich I said if this is the last dance, we’re going to go out dancing and dancing well.

“You just have to believe in everything you do in life. I’m a very positive person.

“My environment is built on honesty, openness, belief, integrity, so if you have all of that, what’s to fear?

“We had nothing to lose today and I told my players whatever happened, I’m immensely proud of them.”

Reynolds’ opener - his first goal of the season - was cancelled out early in the second half - but he went on to set up Corne’s winner.

Covolan’s heroics clinched victory, adding to a string of first-half saves with a couple of stunning late stops from Conor Chaplin.

Elokobi said: “I said Lucas would be busy.

“You’re coming to Ipswich, there’s no way you’re going to come here and them not create those chances that they did.

“Let’s be honest, we did ride our luck a lot.

“It might be it was in the eyes of the gods for it to happen that way.

“I stressed the fact that for us to get anything out of Portman Road, we have to ride our luck and stay resilient.

“We’re going to cramp up because they’re an excellent, full-time side and you have to run through those cramps because I can only make a certain of changes.

“Lucas Covolan has been excellent to keep us in the game.

“He’s been Mr Steady throughout the season in big games, big moments.

“That last line of defence, he’s always been there, he’s been like a wall to us, so I’m absolutely delighted for him.”