Gavin Hoyte says the Maidstone FA Cup tie at Ipswich among biggest moments of career.
Leading non-league Maidstone into a historic FA Cup fourth-round clash at Ipswich, according to former Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte, will rank among the best moments of his career.
For the first time since their 1992 reorganization, the National League South club, the lowest-ranked team still in the competition, has advanced to this point.
The captain of the Stones, Hoyte, played for Trinidad & Tobago against an Argentina team that included Lionel Messi during his international career. In 2008, Hoyte made four first-team appearances for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger, including one Premier League match.
“This is entirely different; to get here, we had six games just before, so it builds up,” stated the 33-year-old, who moved from Dagenham to Maidstone in 2019.
I get to go out and lead the team; hopefully I’m on the field!
“It’s undoubtedly the most significant event in my career. I may not get this chance again because I’m almost done with it.
It’s simple to get up for these games. All you need to do is make sure that nobody is deviating from the game plan.
“It’s crucial that we follow the script, but occasionally you might want to do something extra on a big occasion.”
After three FA Cup qualifying matches, Maidstone defeated Chesham in the first round, then shocked League One team Stevenage and Sky Bet League Two team Barrow.
The prize for the Kent team is a televised match on Saturday lunchtime against the Tractor Boys, who are now second in the championship. Less than 4,500 away fans are expected to travel to Portman Road for this match.
Sam Corne, a midfielder for the Stones, scored goals in the previous two rounds and is once again enjoying his underdog position.
Playing against a top-tier team is something that every player dreams of, according to Corne.
“On occasion, the lower league teams we play are the more formidable opponents. However, when we play Barrow and Stevenage, we are always the underdog, and we enjoy it.”
“There is nothing for us to lose. Anything is possible as long as we provide a positive image of ourselves and follow the strategy.
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