Oldham Athletic will have the opportunity to eliminate Liverpool from the FA Cup for the second season in a row after coming from behind to record an impressive 4-1 win at Mansfield Town to advance to the Third Round Proper.
League One Oldham provided one of the competition's biggest upsets last term when they produced a heroic performance to dispatch the seven-time Cup winners 3-2 at Boundary Park and they will now travel to Anfield in January after a clinical display at Field Mill.
Mansfield, who compete in the tier below Oldham, went in front after just 12 minutes. Ross Dyer headed home from point-blank range following good work by Lindon Meikle and Samuel Clucas.
The hosts entered the interval with the advantage, but Oldham hit back within 12 minutes of the restart through Danny Philliskirk, who bent a superb free kick over the wall and into the back of the net.
Oldham manager Lee Johnson
That goal provided a real fillip to Lee Johnson's side and they took the lead shortly afterwards when Michael Petrasso teed up Johnson Clarke-Harris, who despatched a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Alan Marriott.
Things got from bad to worse for the home side 15 minutes from time when substitute Matteo Lanzoni planted a firm header past Marriott after meeting Philliskirk's cross.
And Adam Rooney put the gloss on Oldham's biggest FA Cup away win since 1966 when he sent Marriott the wrong way from the penalty spot after John Dempster was penalised - and dismissed - for handling inside the box.
Oldham's forthcoming trip to Anfield will potentially allow Anton Rodgers to lock horns with his father Brendan, who manages Liverpool, and the midfielder hopes he will able to boost his own boss by sharing some inside secrets about the Reds.
He said: "I'm buzzing to get back, and he's watching tonight. I can't wait to talk to him and get him in the next round and talk tactics. I'm going to try to get some information! I'm sure the gaffer will be on to me to try to get some inside information! I'll do what I can do!"
