Maidstone stunned Championship high-flyers Ipswich 2-1 as Luton Town struck late to dump Everton out in the FA fourth round on Saturday.
Ipswich are 98 places and four divisions above Maidstone in the English football pyramid, but manager Kieran McKenna was left to rue making 10 changes.
The visitors’ two goals were worthy of winning any cup tie as Lamar Reynolds produced a cool chip over Christian Walton as Maidstone surged upfield from an Ipswich corner just before half-time.
Jeremy Sarmiento looked to have restored order when the Ecuador international drilled low into the bottom corner on 56 minutes.
However, there was another twist in the fairytale story as Reynolds this time played provider for Sam Corne to fire in the winner 24 minutes from time.
Everton and Luton’s priority is survival in the Premier League and the Hatters’ 96th-minute winner at least ensured they both avoided a replay.
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Vitaliy Mykolenko’s own goal gave Luton a half-time lead that was cancelled out when stand-in goalkeeper Tim Krul allowed Jack Harrison’s shot through his grasp early in the second period.
A bad-tempered affair appeared to be meandering towards a stalemate until Cauley Woodrow bundled home from a corner right at the death.
Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, as Brighton beat Sheffield United 5-2 at Bramall Lane.
Facundo Buonanotte’s fine strike and Pedro’s first spot-kick put the visitors 2-0 up.
But last season’s semi-finalists were pegged back before half-time as Gustavo Hamer and William Osula struck for the Blades.
Another Pedro penalty restored Brighton’s advantage before he completed his hat-trick and Danny Welbeck rounded off the scoring deep into stoppage time.
Championship leaders Leicester made light work of Birmingham as Jamie Vardy was on target in a 3-0 victory.
Leeds and Plymouth is one of at least four ties set for a replay after they drew 1-1 at Elland Road.
Newcastle face Fulham in Saturday’s late kick-off as the Magpies aim to move one step closer to a first FA Cup success for 69 years.
Holders Manchester City booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Friday night thanks to Nathan Ake’s late winner.
Liverpool are in action on Sunday when they host Norwich at what is sure to be an emotional Anfield for the Reds’ first match since manager Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Newport County of League Two are also seeking a huge upset when they host Manchester United on Sunday.
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