Cup fever fires Winchester

GREAT GAME . . . Carl Winchester (second right) joins in the celebrations after Reece Wabara's goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup

CUP hero of the past Carl Winchester is looking back to his best days while hoping to make his future with Athletic a success.

One of two survivors of the side which famously toppled giants Liverpool four seasons ago, it was Winchester's left-foot cross that Reece Wabara met with his head to register what turned out to be the crucial strike in a 3-2 win.

Athletic start what they hope will be a similar cup odyssey with a relatively unattractive tie at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

But in striving to hit the sort of form that made him player of the year two seasons ago, the club's longest-serving player knows what can lie beyond.

Not least, huge crowds that can get Athletic's home ground rocking again.

"It was the best game I've ever played in and the highlight of my career so far," recalled Winchester of the game with the Anfield superstars, in which current Athletic midfield man Lee Croft also played.

"Just to be on the same pitch as Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling was brilliant.

"The left-foot shank helped make the third goal and I couldn't describe a better feeling in football.

"That game shows that if you put in the performances, the fans will come. We know we are capable as well.

"It is a new group, but it will come for us. Doncaster are in form, but it's a game we need to win to have a chance of creating that sort of atmosphere again."

Winchester could be recalled to the team for Saturday's £10-entry tie against the League Two side.

Although he was linked with a move away from the club in the last transfer window, he says his focus was always on improving fitness levels to meet boss Stephen Robinson's requirements.

"I am happy now I am back playing," said Winchester, who admitted to being disappointed not to feature at Rochdale from the start.

"At the start of the season, it was disappointing, but I knew that if I worked hard, I would get my chance and it was a case of taking it.

"I am focused on playing well and hitting the heights I reached two seasons ago under Lee Johnson. That's what I want to get back to.

"Consistency has been missing in my game and I know that myself.

"I just have to work hard every day in training and that's what the manager has talked about.

"Every day he is on me, but it's good and it's what I need to do.

"I have been working with our fitness coach, coming in on days off to do a bit as well. I am getting fitter every day."

ROCHDALE forward Calvin Andrew has been charged by the FA following an incident against Athletic that was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

It is alleged that he was involved in an act of violent conduct in or around the 77th minute of the game and it is alleged that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply is insufficient.

Rochdale are in the process of contesting the charge.