Latics set for trip to Anfield
Latics have secured a third round tie at Anfield in this season's FA Cup with Budweiser following a tremendous second half come back at the One Call Stadium. Trailing 1-0 at the interval to Ross Dyer's 12th minute header the boys in pink blasted 4 second half goals to record an emphatic 4-1 victory.
Latics drew level just before the hour mark in fine style. Mike Petrasso's goal bound run was brought to a cruel halt inside the 'D' and up stepped Danny Philliskirk to curl an exquisite free kick into the top corner as Latics leading scorer made it 10 for the season.
Within minutes Latics were ahead and again QPR loanee Petrasso was at the centre of the move, twisting and turning before threading an inch perfect ball through to Jonson Clarke-Harris who took aim before emphatically firing home past the helpless Mansfield goalkeeper Marriott.
On 76 minutes Latics extended their lead further, Adam Rooney's hard work won a corner on the left hand side. Danny Philliskirk delivered a superb corner which was firmly met by the head of half time substitute Matteo Lanzoni, who directed the ball high into the roof of the net to send the travelling supporters into raptures.
Remarkably, 5 minutes later it was 4 as Adam Rooney got in on the act with a superbly struck penalty. Jonson Clarke-Harris unleashed one of his trademark thunderbolts that was blocked by the hands of John Dempster, who saw red for his actions as Rooney made no mistake from 12 yards sending the keeper the wrong way.
Latics had chances to extend their lead whilst at the other end Mark Oxley produced a smart diving save to deny Ollie Palmer.
The second half display in particular will have delighted manager Lee Johnson, as will the tremendous team effort in turning around the half time deficit. For the third year running Latics will take on Liverpool in the FA Cup with Budweiser, this time on a Sunday afternoon on merseyside.
Attendance of 2,836 with 223 making the journey from Oldham.