You were fan-tastic!

EMOTIONAL Athletic chairman Simon Corney hailed the club’s fans for their unwavering support at Anfield.

The 6,000-plus visiting contingent drowned out their Merseyside counterparts for the majority of the FA Cup third-round clash, even in the dying minutes when 5-1 behind.

And proud Corney was glad they got their moment in the sun when Robbie Simpson handed Paul Dickov’s side a shock first-half lead with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area, with the goalscorer charging the length of the pitch to celebrate with the delirious Athletic fans.

He said: “For me, the highlight of the night was watching our fantastic supporters enjoying their visit to a famous football venue.

“Every one was absolutely magnificent throughout the game. I am so pleased they got to see us score a goal at Anfield, especially as it gave us the lead.

“But even when the match was beyond us towards the end of the second half, they were so loud — they did the club and the town proud.”

The scoreline was harsh on Dickov’s men and Corney was full of praise for a courageous performance.

He added: “We never stopped running, never stopped working and the players did well.

“Liverpool are a fit, strong side. We came to their ground and for a while we were actually the better team. But it was hard work on a big pitch.

“I feel 3-1 would have been a fairer result and a truer reflection of how the tie panned out, but that is football I suppose.

“It has given us a taste for more and this is the level at which we can one day strive to be.”