The Ox Factor

Keeper’s vital role in cup replay win

MARK Oxley was arguably the most vital figure of all in Athletic’s achievement of a new date to play Liverpool at Anfield.

Athletic’s on-loan goalkeeper from Hull City produced a fantastic second-half save at Mansfield in midweek, flinging himself to his weaker left side to push away a shot from Lindon Meikle.

The ball had already been deflected off James Tarkowski and hit the ground in front of Oxley’s hand — making the stop even more special.

Had Oxley not come to the rescue, Athletic would been 2-0 down and staring at FA Cup defeat.

Instead, two minutes later Danny Philliskirk rattled in a brilliant free-kick to turn the second-round replay on its head.

“A big shout needs to go to Mark Oxley, as at 1-0 he pulled off a fantastic save,” said manager Lee Johnson, who fetched in the Sheffield-born shot-stopper on a season’s deal back in July.

“You need your goalkeeper to be your spiritual leader. On the day, he was,” added Johnson.

“I think Oxley has got better and better. I was pleased for him at Mansfield.”