Mersey misery

Liverpool fan John McGinlay celebrated the greatest night of his life with a starring role as Second Division Bolton Wanderers knocked out the FA Cup holders Liverpool in their FA Cup third round replay at Anfield.

The astonishing victory handed Liverpool their biggest humiliation since they were knocked out of the 1959 competition by Southern League Worcester City.

McGinlay, who scored Bolton's opener in the 2-2 draw at Burnden Park, was on target again, putting Wanderers in front after just three minutes of the replay. And afterwards the 28-year-old Scottish striker said: "That was the greatest game I've ever played in. It made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I always used to love watching Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish was my idol but I had never set foot in the ground before tonight. To come here and score and win is just fantastic."

And McGinlay admitted that he had come close to missing the match because of a troublesome groin injury. He added: "I had a fitness test this morning but even after that there was still a little bit of doubt in my mind. But I was selfish because there was no way I was going to miss this game and I'm glad I didn't now. I said after the first game I didn't think it was over because we played a lot of good football but let our 2-0 lead slip with some silly mistakes. I felt Liverpool would feel more under pressure because this was their last chance of winning something and we got a great start. We let it slip in the first match but I never felt we were going to do the same tonight. We have learned from our mistakes."

Man of the match David Lee, who set up McGinlay's opener and teased and tormented Liverpool all night, added: "We knew we were playing Liverpool but we also knew they weren't the Liverpool of old. We knew they had weaknesses especially in defence and we exploited them. After the first match was drawn we were all disappointed but tonight the players and the fans are all overwhelmed. Now we're aiming to put out Wolves in the next round."

Wanderers' manager Bruce Rioch joined in the celebrations adding: "That is one of the great nights. It is fantastic for me as a manager and it's extra special for the players. That is all about memories for them. Something they can look back on and enjoy. Many of the players hadn't played at Anfield before but we approached it with the right attitude. We thoroughly deserved to go through."

Liverpool boss Graeme Souness, who last May enjoyed the thrill of seeing his side lift the cup at Wembley, paid tribute to Bolton but berated his own side. He said: "We were outplayed and outfought by a better team and they deserved to win. They were better than us in all departments. This club's history is based on and steeped in passion and the vast majority of my players tonight played as if they had never been told what passion and Liverpool Football Club is all about."

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