BLACKPOOL will soon get a chance to test themselves against the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Patrick Berger.

The Seasiders face Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, January 3.

The tie is Blackpool's reward for a 5-2 thrashing of Oldham at a freezing Boundary Park on Saturday.

The Seasiders took less than a minute to go ahead, with a lacklustre Latics defence allowing Scott Taylor to latch on to a John Murphy flick before slotting the ball past Les Pogliacomi.

Oldham hit back well, showing plenty of athleticism and, until the second goal went in, were marginally the better side. The lively Ernie Cooksey went closest, putting a shot over the bar from a tight angle.

The Wellens/Taylor combination which has created so many goals this season struck again on 20 minutes, when another fine pass from the midfielder allowed Taylor to fire home.

The third wasn't long in coming. Taylor worked the channels and fed Martin Bullock, whose cross found Keith Southern to fire home from close range as Oldham's defenders again failed to put in a challenge.

Taylor completed his second hat-trick of the season on the hour mark. Oldham defender, Will Haining, did what most of his team-mates failed to do and block an effort from John Murphy.

But he used his hand in doing so, earning Blackpool a penalty. Taylor's effort was well-saved by Pogliacomi, an excellent keeper let down by a non-existent defence, but Taylor latched on to the rebound to score from close range.

Oldham deservedly pulled one back through John Eyre's far post shot before the Seasiders scored the best goal of the match and, possibly, the season.

Leam Richardson was the man who got it, collecting the ball on his chest 25 yards out before lashing a superb, dipping half volley which curled wickedly to sneak in at the far post when it looked certain to go wide.

Oldham grabbed another consolation goal late on when lively Jamaican ace, Jermaine Johnson, managed to wrong-foot Blackpool keeper Lee Jones after turning his marker.

Former Liverpool midfielder, Leyton Maxwell is the latest player to attempt to earn himself a contract at Bloomfield Road. The 24-year-old was released by Cardiff City earlier this week and was due to line up in Blackpool's midfield for a reserve game against Stockport yesterday (Wednesday).

Luton Town managed by former Seasider Mike Newell visit Bloomfield Road on Saturday.