MATT Smith says Oldham Athletic’s FA Cup fifth-round replay against Everton will be taking a back seat while the Latics bid to preserve their League One status.

The former Evesham United junior has once again been in the spotlight after his last-gasp equaliser at Boundary Park earned a 2-2 draw and a second bite of the cherry against the Premier League Toffees.

But the 6ft 6ins powerhouse, who also scored twice to knock Liverpool out in the previous round, is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of next Wednesday’s rematch at Goodison Park.

Oldham, struggling in League One, travelled to Stevenage last night and host Portsmouth on Saturday.

Smith said: “It was an unbelievable occasion, not just for me personally but for the club. It was a real experience and pretty overwhelming but I was over the moon with it and looking forward to going to Goodison Park.

“We realise it’s going to be a completely different occasion but, for now, we have got to put it to the back of our minds and concentrate on important games before that. It’s time to start putting points on the board.”

Smith, a second-half sub against Everton following two games out with a shoulder injury, headed home past Tim Howard amid a crowded six-yard box to send the Oldham faithful delirious.

“It was made even more special given that some of my closest friends from school and university were there along with my parents,” added the striker, whose father Ian is a GP in Evesham.

Smith has enjoyed a rapid rise in the professional game having played for Midland Combination Littleton just two years ago.