Reece revels in giant-killing (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Reece revels in giant-killing

5:46pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in Sport

BROMSGROVE FA Cup hero Reece Wabara believes scoring against Liverpool is the highlight of the young defender’s burgeoning career.

The 21-year-old headed in the all-important third goal as League One strugglers Oldham Athletic stunned Premier League side Liverpool 3-2 in a memorable giant-killing.

It was only the second goal the former South Bromsgrove High School pupil had scored for the Latics but it’s one which will go down in history for their fans.

Oldham now meet Everton in the fifth round of the cup although Wabara won’t be there as his loan from Manchester City came to an end on Monday.

But it was certainly a memorable way for gifted full-back to end his time at Boundary Park.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted for the fans, club and team — to beat Liverpool was a dream.

“I thought we played the better football in the first-half and deserved to be ahead but Liverpool brought on Steve Gerrard and Jonjo Shelvey and their extra quality made a big difference.

“We had to defend solidly and do our jobs and while they troubled us collectively, we stood firm.

“I am someone who tries not to get too carried away, it was another game of football but it’s a great result.

“The goal happened so fast. I stayed up and I wasn’t sure if Carl Winchester was going to get the ball in but he did and I got my head to it. It was a pretty good finish.

“I’ve only scored two goals for Oldham, both in the FA Cup, but scoring the winner against Liverpool was amazing and something that is definitely a highlight of my career.”

Former Redditch United striker Matt Smith opened the scoring for Oldham, before Luis Suarez had levelled, before the Latics hitman had added a second just before the break.

But Wabara, who parents and sister lives in Bromsgrove, added the third two minutes into the second-half.

Oldham then hung on and recorded a memorable cup victory, despite Joe Allen’s late deflected effort.

Wabara, who moved to Bromsgrove aged 14 from Quinton in Birmingham, was signed by Walsall as a teenager before moving to Birmingham and then to Manchester City.

He added: “I know Manchester City are struggling a bit for defenders but I want to be at a club where I am playing regularly.”