Blueprint for glory

GIANT-KILLERS: David Eyres (extreme right) and his Athletic team-mates celebrate their famous victory over Manchester City.

‘Get in front - then hang on for dear life...’
SCORE the first goal and ride it out says one man who knows what it takes to see off top-flight opposition in an Athletic shirt.

Few, even among the huge army of supporters set to invade Anfield tomorrow night, will want Paul Dickov's visitors to triumph quite as much as dyed-in-the-wool Everton fan David Eyres.

A veteran of 234 matches for Athletic, he will keep track of the game from afar. Eyres (44) gained knowhow about defeating Premiership opponents when Kevin Keegan-era City left Boundary Park with their collective tail wedged between their legs seven years ago.

That was thanks to a solitary 14th-minute Scott Vernon goal, created by Eyres.

"On the day it is fair to say we had our fair share of luck," said Eyres, recalling that third-round tie at Boundary Park.

"After half-time, City camped in our half and really put us under the pump. Our goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi had to play out of his skin. The key to it was getting our noses in front in the first half with Scott's goal. That put that little bit of added pressure on them. To get a result at Anfield, Athletic will definitely need that bit of luck we enjoyed."

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish may use the game to field a sprinkling of fringe players, while also handing field-time to those stars who need it most.

That could well include Steven Gerrard, without a full 90-minute run-out since late October, and struggling hit-man Andy Carroll, linked this week with a loan return to Newcastle after a disappointing return of three goals in 22 showings for club and country this term.

"The danger for them is, resting a few players and going out thinking it is an easy task," added Eyres.

"They also have some players who have something to prove. For the likes of Andy Carroll, this could be a make-or-break game. If he doesn't get a couple of goals under his belt, fingers may be pointed his way.

"Then again, it could work the other way around and the tie could prove to be an ideal fillip to get back on track. As an Evertonian who follows Oldham, I hope that isn't the case."

Athletic's players will be cheered on to the turf by 6,000-plus travelling fans. A veteran of Burnley's 1-0 loss in a third-round FA Cup tie at Anfield in 1997, Eyres hopes everyone savours the moment and that Athletic fans make their presence felt more regularly on less-heightened occasions.

"It fills you up with pride to see those supporters and it does make a massive difference," he said.

"It will be a fantastic atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. It is just a pity that more of the fans don't turn up at Boundary Park. I would like to see those fans returning to the club.

"I hope it is a fantastic night. It is guaranteed to be a winner in a financial sense and from that point of view, gaining a replay would be the ideal result.”