The coldest of December days was warmed considerably by the excitement of FA Cup 2nd round action at the Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone.

Maidstone United have recovered well from a tricky start to the season, with a fine run, which has seen George Elokobi’s side rise up to 3rd in the National League South.

Their opponents today, Barrow, have had an equally positive start to the season, sitting third. Manager Peter Wild would have been confident coming into this tie, with his side having won away at higher league, Northampton Town, in the first round.

Maidstone started the game with promise and put pressure on their higher ranked opponents, with Harry Kyprianou and Liam Sole causing problems with the rangy, Levi Amantchi offering pace and height up front.

Barrow AFC were still always a threat and this was made apparent when, on twenty one minutes there was a mix up between the keeper, Lucas Covolan and George Fowler which allowed the talented Ben Whitfield to slip through and put Barrow AFC ahead at 0-1.

Maidstone United, cheered on by the partisan home crowd, bouyed by a 2903 attendance, never lost hope. In the 35th minute Sol Wanjau-Smith threaded a pass to Sam Corne who fired home having run into the six yard box, to tie the scores at 1-1.

Just prior to half time a serious injury to Levi Amantchi, saw him stretchered off to be replaced by Razzaq Coleman for Maidstone United. At the break the sides went in with the scores tied at 1-1 and all still to play for.

The second half was fought evenly with both sides creating chances. The crowd kept the home team’s spirits up with their support and constant singing from the Genko stand.

In the 74th minute the unbelievable happens. The ball fell to Maidstone United’s Bivesh Gurung, 20 yards out and he drilled the ball into the Barrow AFC net to send the crowd wild and put the home team into a 2-1 lead against the team two league’s above them.

As time ticked away Barrow AFC threw everything at the home defence but it was not to be. Maidstone United clung on to the lead and at full time it was they, for the first time since their predecessor club made it in 1988, that had made it to the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

The celebrations went on long after the final whistle and the draw on Monday will be eagerly anticipated as the Stones hope for even more cup upsets as they move into the last 64. Barrow AFC fans and players went back on the long, six hour journey home knowing they had played a key part in this wonderful battle. They will now be intent on making the league title their goal. For Maidstone United however, the Cup dream stays alive!