Register for Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter and receive it for free in your inbox.
Subscribe to Miguel Delaney’s weekly newsletter for free.
Maidstone United achieved a remarkable upset in the FA Cup by scoring goals through Lamar Reynolds and Sam Corne, resulting in a 2-1 victory against Ipswich Town, who are vying for promotion in the Championship, at Portman Road.
The National League South side weathered a storm of pressure and were indebted to goalkeeper Lucas Covolan as they clung on to seal a place in the fifth round for the first time – becoming the first sixth-tier or lower side to reach that stage since Blyth Spartans in 1978.
Reynolds made a bold move over the halfway line and calmly scored his team’s first goal just two minutes before halftime. However, Ipswich managed to prevent humiliation when Jeremy Sarmiento equalized at the beginning of the second half.
Corne completed a brilliant counter-attack to regain the lead for the visitors in the 66th minute. Despite a strong effort from Covolan, the Stones managed to hold on and secure the win, with Covolan making several impressive saves, including deflecting a late shot from Conor Chaplin onto the crossbar.
On Saturday, Joao Pedro scored three goals as Brighton and Hove Albion defeated Sheffield United 5-2 at Bramall Lane.
Pedro successfully converted two penalty kicks and then followed it up with a powerful 18-yard shot after Facundo Buonanotte had already scored for the Seagulls. Danny Welbeck added the final goal in the last moments, securing a dominant win.
The Blades managed to make a comeback from being down 2-0, with goals scored by Gus Hamer and Will Osula.
Leeds United missed the opportunity to defeat Plymouth Argyle in the Championship, settling for a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Jaidon Anthony’s impressive individual goal gave his team the lead in the 31st minute. However, Adam Randell equalized for Plymouth in the 73rd minute and Leeds squandered several opportunities to secure the win, including a late miss from Patrick Bamford.
Leicester City, currently in first place in the Championship table, displayed an impressive performance in the second half to defeat Birmingham City 3-0. Jamie Vardy, Yunus Akgun, and Dennis Praet all scored goals for Leicester City.
Source: independent.co.uk