OPPOSITION Q&A

James discusses the Stones

THE CUP RUN

Wow, where do I start. Well the beginning would help. Steyning was where it started. A nice day in the sun. 500 odd Maidstone fans and a good win. Then onto Winchester. A good side but we showed our quality to win. Then to you boys for the second time in a week and managed to get past you with a very fortunate goal and another well taken finish. Then onto Chesham. Very tough, but again showed our class and came through with a win. We were then hoping for a big league 1 or 2 team away, more for money with tickets. Got Barrow and thought they’re flying high in league 2, think that’s the end of the road. Then Biv steps up with that wonder goal. Unbelievably we made the 3rd round. Hoping for a big tie, we draw Stevenage at home. Very disappointing, but winnable we thought. And win it we did. That was just unbelievable in the 4th round. We then drew Ipswich. Not the Premier League team we wanted but a big team. Expected nothing, great day out and yeah we managed to pull off one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of all time. Now Coventry or Sheffield Wednesday away. Again no Premier League but winnable again and I think all of non league will be routing for us. Except Dartford maybe. Who knows what will happen but what a journey so far.

LEAGUE FORM

Even with the cup, We won in the Kent senior cup with a young side against Punjab United. We’ve just beaten top of the league Yeovil at home. So the cup doesn’t seem to have affected our league form. I’m going to regret that comment when you come and beat us.

HIGHLIGHTS (NOT INCLUDING FA CUP!)

It’s hard outside the cup as that’s huge for us. I think beating Dartford away in the FA Trophy has to be up there. Just being there or thereabouts in a tough league after such a poor season last year is a positive for me. Unbeaten in 2024 and 4 wins out of the last 5 league games – so definitely an in-form team currently!

KEY PLAYERS

We have a few new ones on loan. Matt Rush up top. Manny Duku, Harry Kyprianou, Liam Sole and Tanga. And obviously our amazing goalkeeper, Lucas Covolan.

THE MANAGER

Said this before. George Elokobi just asks for everything to be left on the pitch. Tactics vary from game to game. He’s going to go far as a manager I think. We need more people like him in the game.

REFRESHMENTS

Coming off the train from Maidstone East turn right and you have loads of food outlets and drinking establishments. On the coach walk up towards the station and go from there. Hope you all have a safe journey.

BEST OPPOSITION

I know it’s not the question but Yeovil disappointed me on Saturday. Thought they would be better. Even though we beat you twice I liked the way you set up and your team. It’s a tough league and it’s pretty open so we shall see.

PREDICTION

I’m sitting on the fence. I’m saying 1-1 but whatever happens we have our cup run and hopefully will make play-offs so should be a good season. All the best Torquay.

COYY

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