In the line of duty

Photo: PICTURE by ANTHONY MILLER

ON THE MERSEY BEAT: Athletic fans form a line to buy tickets for next week’s FA Cup, third-round tie at Liverpool.

THE RUSH for Liverpool tickets began in earnest today, as Athletic fans looked to secure seats at Anfield for next week’s big FA Cup tie.

Today's business hours represented the first time non season-ticket holders or those without special vouchers had the chance to claim places at the third-round tie.

Around 2,500 tickets remained available on general sale at the start of play this morning. That is from an original allocation of 6,136 Athletic were provided with by the Premier League giants — indicating a high possibility that the club will sell out their share for the game tomorrow week soon.

And at 8am, a snaking queue of eager fans had already formed at the ground despite cold conditions and driving rain, 60 minutes before club offices opened for business for the first time since Boxing Day.

"We are absolutely delighted with the response of our fans," said chairman of Trust Oldham and Athletic director Barry Owen.

Indications from Anfield are that ticket sales at the Liverpool end are also going well.

Athletic will benefit from a 45-per-cent cut of the gate receipts from the Anfield tie, minus costs. That could result in a payday in excess of £200,000.

Athletic's players returned to training today ahead of a double-header against Notts County and Chesterfield.

The Magpies arrive at Boundary Park on Saturday for a New Year's Eve clash, with Athletic heading to the new B2net Stadium on Monday, January 2, to face the bottom-of-the-table Spireites.