With just one more week to go until Christmas, we continue our #CountyChristmas Countdown with a look back to our trip south to Maidstone, as we booked our place in the FA Trophy semi-final for the very first time!
Having been drawn at home to National League strugglers Maidstone United in the FA Trophy Quarter-Final, confidence was high of another County upset, having defeated high-flying Harrogate in the last round!

Despite that, County needed a Matty Warburton goal to salvage a replay, meaning we would have to make the long journey down to Maidstone for the replay the following Tuesday night.
Far from looking fatigued however, the Hatters set about dominating their higher-league opponents, and deservedly took the lead just after the hour mark, Jake Kirby tapping home Nyal Bell’s cutback.

Sam Walker then rattled the crossbar with a stunning effort from 35 yards, before Kirby made sure of the win with his second of the day, again being in the right place at the right time to tap home Elliot Osborne’s cross.

With progress secured, Jordan Keane added further gloss to the scoreline, heading home his second County goal in stoppage time to seal a place in the final four, and delight the superb 88 County fans that made the journey at such notice!
