Oh when the Blues, go marching in

THE only way to stay warm on a cold night was to cheer Latics on...

THE magic had to end at some point – but for Latics fans, the pride is never ending.

The Blues’ incredible cup run died at Goodison Park, but the ever faithful travelling Tix made their voices heard until the bitter end.

Straight from kick-off, fans voiced their support in spectacular style.

But the fifth-round replay proved 90 minutes too far for the League One heroes.

Jose Baxter hit a post before half-time to miss a Latics equaliser, but the near miss was enough to rouse the fans.

A penalty shout for Latics was denied, leading to a rousing rendition of something less than complimentary about the match official!

‘Oh When The Blues’, ‘Oldham Til I Die’ and ‘Zigga Zagga Athletic’ rang out proudly but even ‘The Great Escape’ couldn’t get the boys back in the game.

Super sub Matt Smith got one back for Latics but it wasn’t enough to hold Everton back from their 3-1 victory.

Putting their disappointment aside, travelling Blues held their scarves aloft and saluted the team that’s given them so much joy in this year’s FA Cup.

While he’s claimed (on many occasions) that he doesn’t want the job, interim boss Tony Philliskirk was soundly praised as the team left the pitch.

The sensational cup run seems to have ignited a turn in Latics’ league fortunes - so fans can hold their heads high and be proud of their boys in blue.

We outsang the Everton fans for 90 minutes and if support from the stands could guarantee results on the pitch, we’d already be at Wembley.

Husband Carl, who is about to enter his fourth decade of being a Latics fan, said: “We were beaten but not disgraced. “I’m proud of my club, my town and our supporters. The big question for me is how many of them will support us in the league?

“Oldham is their town, every week – not just for cup runs.”