Obita looks to spring a surprise

Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date online: 26 February 2013

ATHLETIC have it within their power to spring another FA Cup shock tonight says Jordan Obita.

The 19-year-old winger netted the club’s first goal in the Everton draw at Boundary Park earlier this month - and plays his final game for Oldham tonight, bringing his loan to an end

Jordan wants to stay on beyond his initial month to gain more experience of first-team football.

Whether that means renewing a temporary deal to take in a possible FA Cup quarter-final at home to Wigan remains to be seen. he hopes to extend the loan — and is confident Oldham can win tonight.

“Everton will be better than they were here; this game is on their home ground,” said the Reading player and England under-19 international.

“They will know all about how I play and how the team plays. Maybe we will have to change things, produce even more than we did at Boundary Park and surprise them a little bit.

“Everyone has a chance in football. The way we are playing at the moment, we can surprise any team.”

If Everton were in any doubt they were in a contest last time, all illusions disappeared when Obita reacted quickly at the far post to slot home Lee Croft’s cross-shot in the 13th minute.

“It was fantastic,” said Obita, looking back. “My first goal for the club and in the FA Cup.

“Whether it was offside or not doesn’t bother me; I scored! Hopefully I can get another at Goodison.

“The players here have been good to me, the fans are great and hopefully we can keep this run of wins going as it is fantastic for the club.

“Tony Philliskirk has got the team going and we have won every league game since then. Hopefully at Everton we can do likewise.”