Mansfield Town v Oldham Athletic is our ‘biggest game of the season’, says boss Paul Cox

The winner will earn a money-spinning tie against Premier League giants Liverpool at Anfield next month following yesterday’s FA Cup third round draw.

If Stags overcome Oldham it will also give the club a chance to finally play at Anfield after they were robbed at the same stage last year when Luis Suarez’s handball sealed a 2-1 win for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Boss Paul Cox said: “I have had many text messages following the draw suggesting we can right last year’s wrong and finally get our trip to Anfield.

“People will think back to last year’s controversy with the handball and it is human nature to think that we can now settle a score.

“Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in world football, we all remember the game from last year and we want a repeat of that.

“Liverpool is a dream draw for both ourselves and Oldham. This is our biggest game of the season when you look at what is ahead for the winners.

“It is a really positive draw and something to look forward to, but we have two tough games before then.

“I am really pleased for the fans and the players, The draw has made people smile.”

“I hope this draw can give us a boost and create momentum for us like it did last year. There are a lot of similarities with the Lincoln game.

“We hope people will come out in force for the replay, like they did against Lincoln. The fans can make a massive difference.”

But win or lose against Oldham, Cox says the latest FA Cup adventure will help get his struggling side back on track.

“We looked much more like ourselves against Oldham,” added Cox.

“We had a better shape and there were some good individual performances. We looked like we did at the start of the season against a team that have good players and are a division above us.

“The problem we have had is that we got off to such a good start to the season, had our normal slump at the back end October, and expectation has got out of control.

“We are moving forward as a club, but we are not Manchester United.

“We are always looking to improve this club and I want to see us getting better steadily. I have sat down with the chairman and we know what we want to achieve and when we want to achieve it by.

“It would be help the chairman if we get to play at Anfield. It would be nice to put some money back in his pocket.”

Stags are currently due to face Oldham Athletic on Tuesday 17th December.