Season  2004  -  2005

Liverpool - Manchester City  0 - 1

 
Monday 9 August 2004 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Liverpool" 0 - 1 "Manchester City"
GOAL
Team: Patrice Luzi, Jon Ostemobor, Chris Butler, James Smith, Igor Biscan, Daniel O'Donnell, Danny Guthrie, John Welsh, Conal Platt, Mark Smyth, Robbie Foy.

Subs: Ryan Wilkie, Paul Harrison, Lee Peltier, Karl Noon, Danny Smith.

 Team: Kasper Smiechel, Willo Flood, Stephen Jordan, Nedum Onuocha, Paddy McCarthy, Mikkel Bischoff, Lee Croft, Christian Negouia, Bradley Wright-Smith, Stephen Ireland, Trevor Sinclair.

Subs: Nathan D'Laryea, Lawrence Matthewson, Jonathan D'Laryea, Marc Llaird.
SUBSTITUTIONS
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 987		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Manchester City)

                      Numbers players teams:

Liverpool Manchester City
1) Patrice Luzi
2) Jon Ostemobor
3) Chris Butler
4) James Smith
5) Igor Biscan
6) Daniel O'Donnell
7) Danny Guthrie
8) John Welsh
9) Conal Platt
10) Mark Smyth
11) Robbie Foy

12) Ryan Wilkie
13) Paul Harrison
14) Lee Peltier
15) Karl Noon
16) Danny Smith		 1) Kasper Smiechel
2) Willo Flood
3) Stephen Jordan
4) Nedum Onuocha
5) Paddy McCarthy
6) Mikkel Bischoff
7) Lee Croft
8) Christian Negouia
9) Bradley Wright-Smith
10) Stephen Ireland
11) Trevor Sinclair

12) Nathan D'Laryea
13) Lawrence Matthewson
14) Jonathan D'Laryea
15) Marc Llaird

 

   I was quite excited about doing my first Liverpool Reserves match report. In preparation I nicked a pen from work and went to the local Co-Op where I purchased a notepad for 39p. Unfortunately, that was about as good as it got!

  On an evening so hot and sticky that your head itches and your balls feel like they are webbing your legs, I was extremely disappointed to find that when I reached the ground half an hour before kick-off there was no beer for sale. The admission price of just 3 pounds did sweet the lick a bit though.

  The game was set against a strange backdrop. Not only were Liverpool Reserves playing their home matches in Wales, but they were playing them at the ground of a club today given 10 days to find ?1m or face administration.

  Among the 987 fans declared (more like 1500 I think) was Kevin Keegan who I must say, was looking very well.


  The ref blew and the season had started!

  After 3 minutes Otsemobor was sucked inside leaving space for City to attack down their left. No damage was done and Biscan somewhat messily tidied up! However JO's positional sense tonight was at times poor at other times dreadful and City created a few opportunities by attacking this area. A few minutes later we saw the first touches of Wright-Smith for City, like his half-brother he is confident, fast and tricky although he is about 8 inches taller. He was fouled by Smyth near the half way line and continued to be a thorn in Liverpool's side all night. He looks a very promising player indeed.

  Sinclair stood out with every touch he had and after some trickery on the left wing, he swung in a teasing cross that flicked of a blue head for a blue corner. The corner was half cleared by the Liverpool melee to Steven Jordan who's well struck volley sailed harmlessly wide.

  Almost immediately City won the ball back (or rather Liverpool gave it away) and Wright-Smith was through on goal. Luzi read it well and was quickly forward to claim it as he slid to the edge of his box.

  City were more composed from the off and this was evident when everyone inside the ground heard Welsh giving Foy a telling off for a hospital pass. In fairness to Foy he ran and ran all night, but at times he needs to take a deep breath and calm down - he still seems very raw at times.

  Liverpool got their first cross of the match in on 20 minutes, it flicked off Biscan and behind for a corner (so we were level on that score). From the corner Otsemobor tried an overhead kick but mis-timed his effort. City broke up field and Luzi was again alert to claim the ball at the edge of his box.

  In the 25th minute City were pushing again, Danny O'Donnell cleared a dangerous City cross behind goal and from the resulting corner Liverpool again looked panicked as they managed to scramble clear.

  A cross by Jordan was then just missed by Wright-Smith but as City managed to keep the pressure on the ball fell nicely to Jordan who blazed over.

  As Flood came forward from right back he slipped and Butler picked the ball up and charged forward with real intent, his ball to Foy wasn't great though and his shot from the angle was charged down. Foy took the corner and although Smiechel Junior missed it City cleared.

  Wright-Smith was again in the thick of it on 33 minutes. He wriggled through a gap after the ball fell kindly to him in the box and from six yards out should have done better. Actually that may be harsh because the save that Luzi pulled off was absolutely top drawer.

  As Liverpool moved forward from the back the ever ready Foy managed to sneak a yard on his man, he did well to run across him and as Flood tried to get back, he tripped Foy and was booked. Welsh paid Floor back a few minutes later, but in finer style as he solidly blocked Flood shot from just inside the Liverpool area.

  Just before half time we saw the unbelievable sight of Igor trying to lob the keeper from a free kick in his own half (is he beginning to believe his own headlines?). The keeper caught the ball and although the ref wasn't ready and the free-kick was retaken, the half was over.

  At half time Liverpool had been rubbish and City (if I'm honest) had been pretty impressive. I was however reassured by the group of 6 or 7 year olds who were saying "Liverpool's just getting warmed up mate that's all!"

  At the beginning of the second half City took off Stephen Ireland who had been impressive but lacked the final ball & brought on Jonathan Laryea. Almost immediately Wright-Smith was in the action again, judged offside as Sinclair put him through - there can't have been much in it!

  As Liverpool went forward a breaking Foy could have been better fed by Smyth, but he left him a bit short and Foy's shot was blocked.

  The giant that is Christian Negouai (he must be six foot six and looks like Zeus who used to be in the American Wrestling) then strode forward and hit a fairly harmless shot along the grass and straight at Luzi. A few moment later and City made a flowing move from one side of the pitch to the other. Wright-Smith fed Flood coming forward from right back and he whipped in a cross which Negouai easily nodded home - 1-0 to City 55 minutes gone!

  Still it was City in the ascendancy and Sinclair had a very powerful shot from 25 yards blocked by the.. er... lower abdomen of Danny O'Donnell. Then Paddy McCarthy headed straight into the arms of Luzi after a City set-piece midway inside the Liverpool half.

  Liverpool were really quite flat at this stage. Between the midfield and the forwards there was only really Foy who was doing anything & he was trying to do too much. He had a quick turn and shot from 30 yards that went well wide. Biscan couldn't have looked less interested! Perhaps he thinks he's too good to be playing alongside these players now, perhaps he thinks he's already caught Rafa's eye, I don't know but I was very disappointed in him tonight considering the rave reviews he's been getting so far this pre-season. He needs to prove his worth and when Liverpool needed him tonight he was AWOL!

  70 minutes Sinclair off Llaird on
  76 minutes Butler & Platt off Peltier and Wilkie on.

  This gave Liverpool some momentary impetus and Foy turned brilliantly and was very unlucky not to be through on goal. He followed that up with a couple of twist too many inside the box when a snapshot may have done after the ball was slid in from the left.

  The last ten minutes were more encouraging overall. Peltier looked very comfortable and Danny O'Donnell stirred the lads by rather loudly questioning the sides will to win. this seemed to fire the team (especially Welsh), Wilkie having a shot from 25 yards and some hard tackles going in. However even in this period City could have scored again, Wright-Smith having another attempt cleared off the line by James Smith and Luzi lucky to get away with a cheeky flick over WS's head.

  It was one of those games tonight that unfortunately anyone who has been to Anfield over the last couple of season will relate to. City just had too much, too much pace, too much fitness, too much sense, too much experience! Liverpool just lacked! Sure there were flashes, there were small moments to get excited about, but we just lacked a bit in every area. perhaps an ALT or a FSP would have made all the difference - this was a very young Liverpool side, but to not have a shot on target in the whole game is very disappointing!

  And that was that. I condoned myself with a kebab on the way home (they don't taste the same when your sober do they!) and the fact that I get my monthly wages in less than two hours (and oh how I need them).

  I hope my next reports are more optimistic and with more players available I'm sure they will be!

  MOM Bradley Wright-Smith
  MOM (For Liverpool) Danny O'Donnell

  Final Score: Liverpool 0 - 1 Man City

  Copyright - Transcribed by liverweb.org.uk

Middlesbrough Reserves  1 - 0  Liverpool Reserves

 
Wednesday 18 August 2004 19:00 FA Barclays Premier Reserve League North
 
Middlesbrough Res Liverpool Res
1 - 0  (0-0)
 
GOAL
 Morrison 90  
 
  1  David Knight
  -  Anthony McMahon
  -  Andrew Taylor
  -  Mark Wilson
  -  Colin Cooper
  -  Matthew Bates
  -  James Morrison
  -  Lee Cattermole
  -  Daniel Graham
  -  Jason Kennedy
  -  Adam Johnson

 Subs:
  -  Roberts
  -  David Wheater
  -  Graeme Owens
  -  Tom Craddock		   1  Paul Harrison
  -  Jon Otsemobor
  -  Zak Whitbread
  -  David Raven
  -  Igor Biscan
  -  Danny O'Donnell
  -  Danny Guthrie
  -  John Welsh
  -  Mark Smyth
  -  David Mannix
  -  Stephen Warnock

 Subs:
 13  Patrice Luzi
  -  Chris Butler
  -  Ryan Wilkie
  -  Karl Noon
  -  James Smith
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Kennedy (Craddock 72)  Mannix (Butler 62)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: Jonathan Moss
 Booked:  Booked:
VENUE RESERVES COACHS
Central Avenue Stadium (capacity )
Attendance: 280		 (Middlesbrough Res)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool Res)

  Notes:

  - Match was played at Central Avenue Stadium, Billingham, Billingham Synthonia FC.

   There was disappointment for Liverpool Reserves who went down to their second straight defeat of the season as a spectacular injury time winner gave Middlesbrough a deserved 1-0 victory at Central Park, home of Billingham and Synthonia FC, writes Steve Hu

  The goal was scored by James Morrison who produced a superb 20-yard curled drive beyond the reach of Paul Harrison into the net. For their second half display the home side deserved the three points but it was a disappointing night for Hughie McAuley's side.

  The kick-off was delayed by 20 minutes due to a severe thunder and lightning storm in the Teeside area and despite a bright start from Liverpool showing good movement they found it difficult to create any clear cut chances.

  Liverpool's best player was midfielder Stephen Warnock who worked hard on the left side of midfield and played the final 25 minutes up front to support the lone striker Mark Smyth.

  Marshalled at the back by the experienced Colin Cooper Liverpool found it difficult to get balls in behind the Boro defence and how Hughie McAuley' side missed the goal threat of the injured Neil Mellor. Mark Smyth is more of a support striker and he battled hard for little reward.

  In the centre of midfield Igor Biscan partnered captain John Welsh but despite a bright opening to the match the pair failed to impose any meaningful authority on the game.

  On the bright side midfielder David Mannix started the game and played for 62 minutes and he will be hoping it' a new start for him after being plagued by a bad knee injury for the past two years.

  Middlesbrough won the FA Youth Cup last season and fielded some of the team in their line-up.

  Liverpool did start the match brightly and after five minutes John Welsh saw a low drive well handled by Boro keeper David Knight.

  Liverpool goalkeeper Paul Harrison showed his qualities after 14 minutes when he made an excellent point blank save to keepout an effort from Jason Kennedy.

  Igor Biscan went close for the Reds after 19 minutes when he set off on a mazy run which saw him nutmeg a defender then saw an effort well saved by Knight.

  Middlesbrough' former Manchester United midfielder Mark Wilson went close on a couple of occasions for the home side with one rasping drive inches wide.

  The second half was a largely disappointing affair although Jon Otsemobor almost scored what would have been a sensational goal. Setting off on a mazy run from inside his own half the right back waltzed his way to the edge of the box but instead of shooting tried to pass the ball to Warnock who was blocked out.

  John Welsh had a good first half for the Reds when he made good tackles, sprayed some good passes around the park and was an inspirational figure. Unfortunately the second half was something of a non event for Liverpool and but for Reds keeper Harrison the score could have been more than 1-0.

  Middlesbrough Reserves: Knight, McMahon, Taylor, Wilson, Cooper, Bates, Morrison, Cattermole, Graham, Kennedy (Craddock 72), Johnson.

  Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Otsemobor, Whitbread, Raven, Biscan, O?Donnell, Guthrie, Welsh, Smyth, Mannix (Butler 62), Warnock. Subs unused: Luzi, Wilkie, Noon, James Smith.

  Referee: J Moss

  Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Stephen Warnock. He worked his socks off all night and tried to inspire his team mates but had little support in attack.

  © Copyright of official site Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool - Nottingham Forest  0 - 0

 
Wednesday 1 September 2004 19:00 FA Barclays Premier League Reserves (Northern Division)
 
 
"Liverpool" 0 - 0 "Nottingham Forest"
  (0-0)  
 
GOAL
     
 
Team: 1. Patrice Luzi, Jon Otsemobor, David Raven, Djimi Traore, Igor Biscan, Zak Whitbread, Richie Partridge, David Mannix, Neil Mellor, Mark Smyth, Stephen Warnock.

Subs: Ryan Wilkie.		   Team: 1. Ian Deakin, Hanson, Perch, Gardner, Hurren, Tarka, Wilmet, Beaumont, Lichfield, Mullarkey, Hughes.

Subs: Gamble, Handbury.
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Partridge (Wilkie 77)    Lichfield (Gamble 58), Hughes (Handbury 85)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee:
 Booked:    Booked:
 Sent Off: Deakin
VENUE   RESERVES COACHS
Racecourse Ground (capacity )
Attendance: 422		   Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Nottingham F)

  Price: 20 pence

  Notes:

  - Ian Deakin was send off in second half for handling the ball outside the area.

   LIVERPOOL Reserves picked up their first point of the season, but were unable to register their first goal as they were held to a draw by 10-men Nottingham Forest at the Racecourse Ground.

  Hughie McAuley's side included Djimi Traore, Igor Biscan and Stephen Warnock, while Irish winger Richie Partridge was back for his first game in nine months following a serious knee injury. Neil Mellor also returned after a six-week lay-off.

  The Reds enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, and twice went close to taking the lead in the first 10 minutes, with first Jon Otsemobor and then Biscan seeing long range shots narrowly miss the target.

  Otsemobor and Partridge were prominent down the right hand side early on, with the pacy duo linking up well and giving the visitors plenty of problems.

  Chances were few and far between however as Liverpool struggled to find any rhythm after their encouraging start.

  The Reds' best chance of the half came when Forest keeper Ian Deakin picked up a back pass in his own area, under pressure from Mellor, but the normally clinical striker disappointingly fired the free-kick high over the bar.

I  t was a night to forget for Deakin, who was sent off just before the hour mark for handling outside the box, once again under heavy pressure from Mellor.

  With the visitors a man short, Liverpool stepped up the pace, and twice went close through Mark Smyth.

  First he shot wide after being set up by Mellor, and then headed over following a left wing cross from Traore, who operated at full-back in the second half after spending the first period in the centre of defence.

  Mellor had a goal contentiously ruled out for offside with 16 minutes to go, and Smyth's shot narrowly wide yet again as Liverpool pressed for the winner, but Forest held on for a deserved point.

  © Copyright of Liverpool Daily Post

Blackburn Rovers - Liverpool  2 - 2

 
Thursday 7 September 2004 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Blackburn Rovers" 2 - 2 "Liverpool"
GOAL
 Smyth, Partridge
Team: Yelldell, Peers, Morgan, Douglas, Jones, Bruce, Danns, Harkins, Matt Jansen, Johnson, Byrom.

Subs: Hodge, Derbyshire.

 Team: Patrice Luzi, Jon Otsemobor, Djimi Traore, David Raven, Igor Biscan, Zak Whitbread, Richie Partridge, David Mannix, Neil Mellor, Mark Smyth, Stephen Warnock.

Subs:

SUBSTITUTIONS
 Byrom (Hodge 60), Johnson (Derbyshire 85)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 1,188		 (Blackburn Rovers)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)

 

 

   A RITCHIE PARTRIDGE goal secured the share of the spoils for Liverpool Reserves in the FA Premier Reserve League (North), after a double blast from the home side either side of half-time had cancelled out Mark Smyth's opener.

  Liverpool took the lead after only five minutes when Smyth collected a pass from Partridge just inside Rovers's half and ran clear of the defence before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.

  The home side equalised five minutes before the break when Biscan conceded a freekick on the edge of his own area. Matt Jansen struck it low past the wall, and through the hands of Luzi.

  The French keeper was beaten again on 49 minutes, this time by his own defender Zak Whitbread. In attempting to cut out a cross from the left, the defender could only divert the ball towards his own goal and Luzi somehow allowed the ball to creep over the line.

  Partridge pulled Liverpool level on 56 minutes with a smart finish from a Mellor pass.

  Whitbread conceded a penalty on 65 minutes when he brought down Johnson. The striker picked himself up and took the kick himself, but Luzi atoned for his earlier errors with a low stop.

  Jansen went close to his second goal with nine minutes remaining, after Luzi had rushed out of his goal and headed the ball to the Rovers striker. The keeper was in no man's land, but Jansen's shot was narrowly off target.

  With just five minutes remaining Whitbread came agonisingly close to a goal at the right end, when he headed across the face of goal following a great cross by Warnock. Mellor then thought he'd won the game for Liverpool in stoppage time, but his shot was cleared off the line.

  © Copyright of Liverpool Daily Post

Liverpool - Sunderland  1 - 0

 
Thursday 16 September 2004 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Liverpool" 1 - 0 "Sunderland"
GOAL
 Mellor
Team: Chris Kirkland, Salif Diao, Djimi Traore, Stephane Henchoz, Zak Whitbread, Darren Potter, Richie Partridge, John Welsh, Neil Mellor, Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Stephen Warnock.

Subs: 

 Team:

Subs:

SUBSTITUTIONS
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 308		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Sunderland)

 

  After being in The Kop to witness our return to the Champions League a reserve game in Wrexham was always going to be a bit of a come down. Like Liverpool Reserves last "home" game this one was set against a backdrop of impending doom! There has been a bid made for ?15m for The Racecourse & the chairman is proposing a groundshare (don't get me started) with Chester. The future of Wrexham FC is looking very bleak indeed. But on to the future of Liverpool Football Club...

  The fixture was 4th from bottom Liverpool against bottom team Sunderland. Sunderland had a very young team and I felt confident that a Liverpool team containing several 'names' would prove their league position to be a false one. Djimi Traore who was selected at left back, began the game very nervously. He gave the ball away on 2 minutes and it fell to Grant Leadbitter who's shot sailed over the bar.

  The early minutes saw Steve Warnock (from the Champions League to the reserves in less than 24 hours) putting himself about in the usual manner but the game was scrappy early on. Richie Partridge showed the first bit of class as he flicked over his markers head and slotted a through ball which Sunderlands keeper had to be alive to collect. He skinned his man again 2 minutes later but his final ball this time lacked quality.

  The Liverpool defence looked uncertain playing the offside trap & it was Henchoz of all people that was pushing the backline forward. Djimi Traore got forward in Liverpool's next move. After great work from Sinama and Warnock the ball fell to Djimi just inside the box, but he toe poked about 15 yards wide and 10 yards over.

  Sinama was again ionvolved in the 20th minute as he released Partidge, but his ball to Diao on the overlap was a little aspirational and Diao couldn't quite make it.

  Sunderland were really condensing the game and space was at a premium. It needed someone to start using the space for Liverpool, but nobody was stepping forward, so the game continued to be a messy affair - especially wherever Traore was involved, he was having a shocker. He offered a terrible back header but Henchoz was there to tidy up.

  On the half hour Liverpools best move led to Partridge crossing from in space on the right. He unfortunately put it right into the keepers hands. His final ball was disappointing all evening. Five minutes later and the most impressive p[layer on the pitch Grant Leadbitter tried to lob Chris Kirkland from nealry forty yards, it was a great attempt, but Kirkland managed to stop the shot first attempt and gather the ball second. A couple of minutes later Kirkland was again involved as he dominated his area in claiming a dangerous Sunderland cross near the penalty spot.

John Welsh had Liverpool's best attempt on 40 minutes as he hit a brilliantly controlled left foot volley from 18 yards. It was one of those he hit too well as it went straight down the keepers throat.

  It was good to see Benitez signing all the kids programmes and shirts as he left the "directors box" (a partitioned part of the stand) at half time. On the whole, a scrappy first half - Sunderlands youthful zest but lack of experience seeing to that.

  Early in the second half Sinama laid off well to Partridge, who again disappointed with his delivery. A couple of minutes later and Kirkland was called into action again. This time he did what many other keepers wouldn't have been able to, diving full length and tipping another shot from Leadbitter around the post - I'd go as far as to say it was a great save!!

  Liverpool took the lead on 55 minutes. Lewis Dodds gave the ball away and it broke to Sinama who ran clear, jinked inside his man and unslefichly laid the ball off to Mellor - who had the kind of chance he doesn't miss and slotted home with aplomb!

  On 63 minutes the lead could have been doubled. Sinama again involved as he ran clear, he beat his man with ease and approaching the goal from wide on the right he chipped the ball, but the keeper hadn't gone to ground and he held on with ease. Bigger gaps were beginning to appear on the pitch now as the Sunderland side tired.

  That didn't stop them coming close again on 72 minutes. Yet another shot from Leadbitter was deflected & from the resultant corner the ball broke to Ryan, who struck the ball cleanly and hit the top of the bar.

  Sinama went to ground after a challenge on the half way line. He looked for all the world as if he'd been shot - but it seems that the Cramp Gun was the weapon of choice. This saw the introduction of Robbie Foy & if he doesn't start the next reserve match I'd like to know why - he was far and away Liverpools best player when he came on. He was all over the pitch and always looking for the ball. A couple of minutes after his introduction he linked well with Partidge, the ball fell to Foy who struck well from 20 yards, with the keeper not moving the ball slid past the left hand upright.

  As the game moved into stoppage time a cross fell between Liverpool defenders and to an unmarked Ryan. he might have had time to bring the ball down, but chose to stoop and headed it into the hands of Kirkland.

  So three points for Liverpol. Sunderland can consider theirselves unlucky. On the rbight side, the way Liverpool tried to play in the second half seemed to mirror what the first team are starting to do, moving the ball fast and having few touches. There is a long way to go, but I said the same about the first team after freezing half to death in the Reebok.

  MOM. Zak Whitbread; Calm and collected, never did anything to really stand out, but didn't put a foot wrong all night and was there whenever he was needed.

  Copyright - Transcribed by liverweb.org.uk

Birmingham City Reserves  2 - 1  Liverpool Reserves

 
Thursday 23 September 2004 19:00 FA Barclays Premier Reserve League North
 
Birmingham City Res Liverpool Res
2 - 1  (0-0)
 
GOAL
 Hall 59, Curtis 83  Welsh 57
 
  1  Ian Bennett
  -  Parratt
  -  Matthew Sadler
  -  Sam Oji
  -  Marcos Painter
  -  Jamie Clapham
  -  Asa Hall
  -  Neil Kilkenny
  -  Andrew Barrowman
  -  Dean Curtis
  -  David Howland

 Subs:
 13  Colin Doyle
  -  Hamilton
  -  Howell
  -  Reynolds		   1  Chris Kirkland
  -  Jon Otsemobor
  -  David Raven
  -  Danny O'Donnell
  -  Zak Whitbread
  -  Darren Potter
  -  Richie Partridge
  -  John Welsh (c)
  -  Neil Mellor
  -  Florent Sinama-Pongolle
  -  Robbie Foy

 Subs:
 13  Paul Harrison
  -  Ryan Wilkie
  -  David Mannix
  -  Lee Peltier
  -  Mark Smyth
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
   Foy (Smyth 73)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: W McIntosh
 Booked:  Booked:
VENUE RESERVES COACHS
St Andrews (capacity 30,009)
Attendance: 350		 (Birmingham C Res)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool Res)

 

   A stunning free-kick from John Welsh was the highlight of Liverpool Reserves 2-1 defeat by Birmingham City at St Andrews, writes Steve Hunter.

  It was a stunning curled free-kick from 25-yards out by John Welsh that gave Liverpool the lead just past the hour mark. Since being left out of the summer tour to America and Canada Welsh hasn't been in the best of form for the reserves this season, and hopefully that goal should do his confidence the world of good.

  Liverpool's lead only lasted two minutes though as Birmingham found an equaliser through Dean Curtis, and after substitute Mark Smyth went close to winning the game for the Reds with a header that went just wide, straight up the other end Birmingham got the winner. Some sloppy defending by Zak Whitbread allowed Dean Curtis a chance which he took superbly with a great finish.

  The Reds certainly worked hard in the match but what is more disappointing is not for the first time this season the quality of service that the forwards Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama-Pongolle needed, didn't arrive. Natural goalscorers like Mellor need service but he will be frustrated with the service. Certainly with players like Richie Partridge, Robbie Foy and Darren Potter in the team you expect better.

  Chris Kirkland played his second game of the season and did well. Florent Sinama-Pongolle had recovered from the calf strain that forced him to be carried off the pitch during last week's 1-0 win over Sunderland, and he lead the attack with Neil Mellor.

  Liverpool Reserve boss Hughie McAuley fielded a fairly young talented line-up with nine of the starting 11 being products of the club's Academy.

  Birmingham fielded an inexperienced line-up with goalkeeper Ian Bennett the most recognised player as he played in the 2001 Worthington Cup Final against Liverpool. Former Ipswich left back Jamie Clapham also started the game.

  The game was played at St Andrews but the crowd wasn't the biggest as due to a mix-up in the Midlands press many had thought the game was being played at Solihull Borough, an hour's drive away.

  Birmingham created the first chance of the game on seven minutes and went close when David Howland's effort fizzed just wide although Kirkland had it covered well. Then a minute later Tom Parratt went close for the home side with a dipping effort that landed just wide.

  Neil Mellor had his first sight of goal on 14 minutes when after some good play from captain John Welsh, the number nine fired in an effort that forced a good save from Bennett.

  A mistake by Darren Potter when he slipped in midfield almost cost Liverpool a goal but Kirkland came to the rescue making an excellent point blank save at the feet of Andrew Barrowman.

  Florent Sinama-Pongolle was coming in for some very rough treatment from the no nonsense Birmingham defenders and found it difficult to get into the game and impose any kind of threat.

  A mistake from Zak Whitbread then let Birmingham in for a real chance when Barrowman chipped the ball over the advancing Kirkland, but fortunately the Reds keeper had done enough to put him off and the effort was off target and cleared in the six yard box by Otsemobor.

  Liverpool had a wonderful chance to score the opening goal after 32 minutes and it was so frustrating for Neil Mellor. A superb defence splitting pass low along theground from centre half Danny O'Donnell released Richie Partridge clear down the right wing. Mellor had shown great pace and movement to get into the penalty area but sadly the final pass from Partridge was too long and the chance was wasted.

  The Reds went even closer six minutes later when a corner found the unmarked O'Donnell whose header was cleared off the line.

  Liverpool opened the scoring just past the hour mark with a stunning curled free-kick from 25-yards out by John Welsh that gave Bennett absolutely no chance.

  Unfortunately two minutes later Birmingham were level when after a sweeping move down the right wing the unmarked Asa Hall equalised with a good finish beyond the reach of Kirkland.

  Substitute Mark Smyth came close to winning the game for Liverpool four minutes from time when he headed inches wide after a good run and cross from Otsemobor.

  However straight up the other end Birmingham got the winner when some sloppy defending from Whitbread allowed Dean Curtis a shot and he buried the ball beyond Kirkland into the back of the net to give the Blues all three points.

  Birmingham City Reserves: Bennett, Parratt, Sadler, Oji, Painter, Clapham, Hall, Kilkenny, Barrowman, Curtis, Howland.

  Liverpool Reserves: Kirkland, Otsemobor, Raven, O'Donnell, Whitbread, Potter, Partridge, Welsh, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle, Foy (Smyth 73). Subs not used: Mannix, Harrison, Peltier, Wilkie.

  Referee: W A McIntosh.

  Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: John Welsh. His best game of the season so far, we saw glimpses of the talent he possesses and scored a fantastic goal. Hopefully he can push on and show Rafael Benitez that he deserves a chance, after a disappointing start to the season.

  © Copyright of official site Liverpool F.C.

M

L

Liverpool Reserves  0 - 1  Everton Reserves

 
Tuesday 12 October 2004 19:00 FA Barclays Premier Reserve League North
 
Liverpool Res Everton Res
0 - 1  (0-0)
 
GOAL
   Bosnar 65
 
  1  Patrice Luzi
  -  Lee Peltier
  -  Zak Whitbread
  -  David Raven
  -  Daniel O'Donnell
  -  Darren Potter
  -  Danny Guthrie
  -  David Mannix
  -  Neil Mellor
  -  Mark Smyth
  -  Stephen Warnock

 Subs:
 13  Paul Harrison
  -  Ryan Wilkie
  -  James Smith
  -  Karl Noon
  -  Danny Smith		   1  Richard Wright
  -  Stephen Wynne
  -  Daniel Fox
  -  Anthony Gerrard
  -  Eddy Bosnar
  -  James Harris
  -  Christian Seargeant
  -  Scott Phelan
  -  Nick Chadwick
  -  Paul Hopkins
  -  Wilson

 Subs:
 13  Lake
  -  Patrick Boyle
  -  Mark Hughes
  -  Bjarni Vidarsson
  -  Victor Anichebe
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Guthrie (Wilkie 60)  Chadwick (Anichebe 82)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: C Harwood
 Booked:  Booked:
VENUE RESERVES COACHS
Racecourse Ground (capacity 15,500)
Attendance: 1,457		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool Res)
(Everton Res)

  Price: 20 pence

   It was a drizzly evening in Wrexham for the first North-Walian, Merseyside Mini-Derby - if you get my drift. The conditions didn't make for a great game, with many episodes of fally over! Unfortunately the result wasn't a good one either. Everton took their first victory of the season with a 1-0 result which overall
they probably just about deserved.

  The early minutes were even if a bit scrappy. The first attempt on goal was an audacious 40 yard volley from Potter which he struck well, but straight at a defender half way between him and the goal. Raven and O'Donnell paired together in central defence looked very strong early on & didn't do too much wrong all night.

  The first decent move came on 10 minutes when the quietly impressive Peltier linked well with Smyth but his cross failed to beat the first man. The play was intermitantly scrappy and classy with the two young teams interchaning excellently at times and awfully at other. on 14 minutes Warnock slid in late on Stevie G's cousin Anthony (Also Gerrard) and was lucky not to be booked.

  From the restart Zack Whitbread cleared high and handsome over the stand. There were a few half chances, weak shots from distance with Mellor showing for Liverpool and Seargeant having a pop for Everton but nothing close to a goal.

  On 22 minutes Mellor was cautioned for persistant infringement. It should have been the other way around as the referee was giving everything against Mellor. He strutted off in his very scouse fashion, not happy at all!

  The diminutive james Harris was showing well for Everton and had a shot from fully 35 yards just rise to much and go over the bar. Liverpool attacked and soon found Guthrie in space on the right, he crossed and a deft flick by Mellor faded past the the post.

  Mannix, who was fairly anonomous most of the night, headed a bouncing ball behind for an Everton corner, it was heart in mouths though and I think it could really have gone anywhere. Nearing the forty minute mark Guthrie and Smyth linked up twice in as many minutes down the right and created two very good crosses, but unfortunately nobody was on the end of either.

  In injury time Peltier put in an excvellent cross which Mellor connected with. To use a cliche he caught it too well and it went straight into the keepers hands.

  I spent half time listening to kids working out how many houses you could fit on The Racecourse - which is what seems will happen to the ground come the summer. Very bizarre.

  Potter who seemed strangely reluctant to use Guthrie all night shot when a pass would have seen Guthrie in a great position. The shot was harmless. Five minutes in to the second half and Liverpool were dominating this time it was the left flank providing the crosses both Warnock and Whitbread whipping in wonderful walls from the wing (okay, okay!!!). Again - there was no end result. I began to think we'd pay!

  Neil Mellor nearly stupidly got himself sent off for a blatant barge . If he hadn't been booked already he would surely have seen yellow. Eddy Bosnar the exotically ttile Everton Centre back had a decent effort from a freekick which went just wide, it was a warning Liverpool did not heed.

  After bringing on Wilkie to replace the perplaxingly underused Guthrie on the hour mark Liverpool could have taken the lead themselves. Mellor sent Smyth through and he was one on one with the keeper, but a combination of excellent defending from Gerrard and indecisive finishing from Smyth saw a golden opportunity pass by.

  A couple of minutes later and they were made to rue the Miss. Bosnar again had a freekick just over twenty yards out. He drove it either straight through or under the wall and it went low to the keepers left and nestled in the botton corner. Mellor had a chance to equalise just two minutes later, but he was pressurised by the outcoming keeper and the defender chasing him back and the ball dropped wide.

  The game was much more open now but there were still not that many open chances. Luzi saved at the feet of Chadwick fairly comfortably and the now hugely excited Bosnar had a shot from forty five yards and missed by a similar distance.

  Potter had another poor attempt from distance and I just had that feeling we weren't going to score today. In fact it was Everton who came closest when Wilson hit a cross shot which could have took a deflection and gone anywhere but managed to bypass everyone.

  The time added on board came up displaying "3" and I was sat close enough to Alan Moyes to hear him exclaim "Threeeeee!". But it was still no good. We were out worked for most of the second half and Everton were worthy winners.

  For Man of the Match I would again nominate O'Donell. He was fast and powerful and has a very good first touch for a defender. Potter may have actually played slightly better, but he frustrates me because in a game of two young sides I feel that he should be bossing the game more and controlling the pace. The same could be said for Warnock.

  Copyright - Transcribed by liverweb.org.uk

L10

Liverpool Reserves  1 - 2  Bolton Wanderers Reserves

 
Monday 25 October 2004 19:00 FA Barclays Premier Reserve League North
 
Liverpool Res Bolton Wanderers Res
1 - 2  (0-2)
 
GOAL
 Smyth 57  Vaz Te 8, 12
 
  1  Paul Harrison
  -  James Smith
  -  Danny Smith
  -  David Raven
  -  Daniel O'Donnell
  -  David Mannix
  -  Danny Guthrie
  -  John Welsh
  -  Robbie Foy
  -  Mark Smyth
  -  Ryan Wilkie

 Subs:
 13  Patrice Luzi
  -  Calum Woods
  -  Paul Barratt
  -  Adam Hammill
  -  Karl Noon		   1  Chris Howarth
  -  Danny Livesey
  -  Jason Talbot
  -  Florent Laville
  -  Charlie Comyn-Platt
  -  Whitehead
  -  Joey O'Brien
  -  Bradley Hill
  -  Ricardo Vaz Te
  -  Ricky Shakes
  -  Kribib

 Subs:
 13  Sam Ashton
  -  Powell
  -  Magill
  -  Thach
  -  James Sinclair
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Smyth (Noon 85)  Hill (Magill 78)
 Shakes (Thach 78)
 Kribib (Sinclair 78)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: P Canadine
 Booked:  Booked:
VENUE RESERVES COACHS
Racecourse Ground (capacity 15,500)
Attendance: 473		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool Res)
(Bolton W Res)

 

   A missed penalty by John Welsh ultimately proved decisive as Liverpool Reserves slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat by Bolton Wanderers at Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground, writes Steve Hunter.

  This was Hughie McAuley's team third straight defeat and their sixth of the season and are now near the bottom of the reserve league table.

  Two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the first half set Bolton on their way but Liverpool were unlucky not to take anything from the game after a good second half performance.

  Mark Smyth scored the Liverpool goal and then won the penalty but Welsh's weak effort was easily saved by Chris Howarth.

  Despite Welsh missing the spot kick he deserves credit for a good performance and he worked his socks off. He would be disappointed at not featuring in the Liverpool squad for the Carling Cup match at Millwall but the England Under-21 international showed great spirit and attitude. He didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

  Besides the inclusion of captain Welsh and promising England Under-20 international defender David Raven, Hughie McAuley fielded largely an Under-18 Academy side. The likes of Neil Mellor, Darren Potter and Zak Whitbread are with the first team hoping to feature at Millwall. Mark Smyth played through the pain barrier despite not being 100 per cent fit and did very well in attack while Paul Harrison returned in goal replacing the dropped Patrice Luzi.

  Bolton made a fantastic start to the game and were 2-0 up in the opening 10 minutes of the match thanks to two goals from striker Ricardo Vaz Te. First he produced a superb curled finish beyond the reach of Harrison then after chasing a through ball, he rounded the Reds keeper and from a tight angle found the net.

  Vaz Te could easily have completed a first half hat-trick but pulled one effort just wide.

  John Welsh did his best totry and inspire the Liverpool team and went close with a rasping drive that saw keeper Chris Howarth deny him with a great one handed stop.

  Scotland Under-21 international was quite lively in attack for Liverpool and was unlucky not to score in the first half. After 28 minutes he turned past two defenders only to see a brilliant effort come off the underside of the bar, then after 38 minutes he was denied by a good save from Howarth.

  Liverpool started the second half well and left back Danny Smith went close with a great strike that flew just wide then Mark Smyth got the Reds back into the match after 58 minutes. His effort was deflected into the net but the Reds had a lifeline.

  Smyth was at the centre of the action and won a penalty after 65 minutes. A superb through ball from David Mannix put Smyth clear and he was tripped by Florent Laville. In the absence of Mellor John Welsh stepped up to take the kick but unfortunately it was a poor kick and Howarth made a comfortable save.

  Mannix went close to an equaliser with two fine strikes, sending one 25-yard drive just over the bar and then seeing an effort well held by Howarth.

  Welsh and Ryan Wilkie also went close in the final stages of the match but unfortunately it was another defeat for Liverpool.

  Results will certainly have to improve soon because there is relegation from the Reserve Northern Division and that would be unthinkable for Liverpool.

  Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, J Smith, D Smith, Raven, O'Donnell, Mannix, Guthrie, Welsh, Foy, Smyth (Noon 83), Wilkie. Subs unused: Luzi, Woods, Barratt, Hammill.

  Bolton Reserves: Howarth, Livesey, Talbot, Laville, Comyn-Platt, Whitehead, O'Brien, Hill (Magill 78), Vaz Te, Shakes (Thach 78), Kribib (Sinclair 78).

  Referee: M Matadar.

  Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: John Welsh. He showed a great attitude and did really well, and the only blemish to his performance was the missed penalty.

  © Copyright of Official Site Liverpool F C

Liverpool - Aston Villa  1 - 6

 
Monday 1 November 2004 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Liverpool" 1 - 6 "Aston Villa"
GOAL
 Smyth
Team: Paul Harrison, David Mannix, Danny Smith, David Raven, Zak Whitbread, Darren Potter, Richie Partridge, John Welsh, Neil Mellor, Robbie Foy, Mark Smyth.

Subs: Danny Guthrie

 Team:

Subs:

SUBSTITUTIONS
 Partridge (Guthrie 86)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 356		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Aston Villa)
 There was an attendance of about 300 at The Racecourse tonight, much of the pre-match chatter was about the sickening injury to Cisse and the somewhat tasteless reporting of the injury by all and sundry. Neil Mellor was playing and so not being considered for the Deportivo match, so tonight was a chance for him to make his mark.

  I got my Bovril and in the absence of the programme man who'd "gone to away for the week" I managed to blag my very own copy of the team sheet on WAFC headed paper!

  It started pretty well, despite Villa having an early free kick in a dangerous position, it came to nothing and Liverpool went straight from defence to attack. Potter slipped the ball through to Mellor who was about
two yards onside but the referee blew up. 3 minutes later though the linesman got it right as Smyth timed his run well and was sent through by Foy. He ran a bit wide on his approach, but still managed to slip it to the
side of the goalkeeper and in to the back of the net. A good start! I began to feel optimistic, especially safe in the knowledge that Villa hadn't won away all season.

  Nothing much happened for the next five minutes, but I was kept amused by Vaclav Drobny the Villa right back, who is the most ungainly footballer I have ever seen. He just doesn't look right on the pitch. I have my
suspicions that he won a competition of the radio with the prize being an outing for Villa Reserves.

  On eleven minutes Partridge ran direct at the heart of the Villa defence, he drew a few players to him and the slipped it to Mellor running in from the right wing. He unleashed a powerful drive that beat the keeper but also
hit the post and bounced out for a goal kick... It was all down hill from here.

  This weeks horrific back pass belonged to Danny Smith. A cross field ball caught him a bit out of position. He made the ground back up but his header fell woefully short of Harrison. With Harrison out of position the ball was crossed to Whittingham who shot from only about 8 yards. A hand came out of nowhere and saved the ball. Unfortunately that hand belonged to Raven (Henchoz has taught him well), the referee spotted the indiscretion (but not that well) and pointed to the spot. Raven escaped with a booking and it was left to Luke Moore to coolly slot home to Harrison's left as he dived the other way.

  A couple of minutes later Aaritalo was put through, but Harrison was off his line like lightening and saved well with his feet as he smothered the shot.

  On 27 minutes though there was nothing he could do nothing. Again Aaritalo was put in on goal after a neat little interchange. He outstripped Mannix and slotted home as he was one on one with Harrison.

  Just a minute later Aaritalo was again in acres of space and the cross found him but his header was lazy and looped over the bar.

  Liverpool did manage to have an attack on the half hour. After some good passing Welsh crossed from the left and Mellor got in front of his man and glanced the ball aiming for the far corner. Unfortunately his effort got no further than the Ridgewell, the defender.

  Not for the first time Aaritalo found himself in space and one on one with Harrison. This time he hit the post as the ball rebounded across the area Mannix stupidly dived in when there was no danger and gave away a penalty. Up stepped Luke Moore again. This time Harrison went the opposite way, but so did the ball - same result!

  We needed something before half time, it was getting depressing. We nearly got something too, Smyth playing on the left wing beat his man and whipped in a dangerous cross. Mellor didn't make a good contact but his mis-kick nearly worked as the ball trickled towards the far corner but agonisingly wide.

  Mellor and Foy linked up well in the first minute of the second half. It culminated in Foy having a crack with his left foot. He hit it well, but the angle was asking a lot and the keeper pushed behind for a corner. The corner was worked out to Raven who blasted high and wide from 25 yards.

  A couple of minutes later Foley the Villa left back gained the distinction of being the only player I have ever seen that cleared The Kop with a shot (well done my son!). Whittingham almost extended the lead on 57 minutes and would have done except for some more excellent work by Harrison.

  From the resulting corner Harrison was helpless as Ridgewell rose unmarked and nodded home. The temperature dropped 10 degrees immediately and I started to think about sitting next to my radiator! 4-1

  Mellor again had a chance to pull one back a minute later. Partidge whipped in a hard and low centre which Mellor connected well with, but he hooked the ball slightly wide of the keeper's left post.

  Again two minutes later Mellor shot when he should have slipped Partridge in, the deflection fell to Welsh who's pile-driver was stopped by the annoyingly vocal Ridgewell's ear (that made me feel slightly better).

  A slip by Mannix on 75 minutes let Nix in. He crossed to Luke Moore and just as it looked like he'd sealed his hatrick Whitbread managed to get a foot in and deflect the ball away to safety. Disappointingly Whitbread's next contribution wasn't quite so positive. As a long ball was knocked through there was confusion between Whitbread and Harrison this resulted in Whitbread slotting home with aplomb from fifteen yards.

  Liverpool's response was a thirty yard shot from Potter which missed by a good distance. "Dream on" came a comment from a guy behind me - it seemed pretty apt!

  Just as I was locating my car keys and putting my pen away came unmarked header number two. Now I don't know about this zonal marking lark, but I think Villa were on a different time zone to our lot. They seemed to be on BST with us an hour behind on GMT!

  6-1!! Embarrassing

  MOM?

  Who cares? I'd have to give it to Harrison I think, he wasn't at fault for any goal and made a few very good saves.

  liverweb.org.uk - Match Report Courtesy of Adam Spiby

L

L

L

L

L

Liverpool - Middlesbrough 2 - 1

 
2 February 2005 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Liverpool" 2 - 1 "Middlesbrough"
GOAL
 Whitbread, Foy
Team: Scott Carson, David Raven, Stephen Warnock, Zak Whitbread, Mauricio Pellegrino, Darren Potter, Antonio Nunez, John Welsh, Anthony Le Tallec, David Mannix, Robbie Foy.

Subs: Vladimir Smicer, Jon Otsemobor, Richie Partridge.

 Team: Carlo Nash, Hines, Taylor, Cattermole (Burgess60), Bates, Wheater, Lemere, Kennedy, Graham, Craddock, Johnson.

Subs: Clough, Mascarenhas
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Nunez (Smicer 45), Pellegrino (Otsemobor 45), Mannix (Partridge 62)  Lemere (Clough 69), Hines (Mascarenhas 78)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 124		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Middlesbrough)

 

  VLADIMIR SMICER continued his comeback for Liverpool, as goals from Zak Whitbread and Robbie Foy helped the reserve side to a 2-1 win at home against Middlesbrough last night in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

  Antonio Nunez and Mauricio Pellegrino played the first 45 minutes, before making way for Czech Smicer and John Otsemobor for the second half.

  Anthony Le Tallec completed his second ninety minute run out since his return from France, and could have opened the scoring after just two minutes, however his header from a Foy corner lacked power and in the end comfortably saved by Carlo Nash in the visitors goal.

  Three minutes later the keeper had a more difficult save to make, when a fantastic turn from Mannix allowed him to reach the byline and cut the ball back to Foy, but his fine shot was kept out by the legs of Nash.

  Liverpool went in front on 28 minutes, when Foy's deep corner was knocked back across goal and Whitbread lashed the ball into the roof of the net from eight yards.

  Foy doubled the home side's lead three minutes after the break, tapping in at the far post after a brilliant run and cross from Otsemobor.

  A young Boro side had struggled to mount any kind of attack, and Scott Carson had seen very little action until Graham caught Whitbread napping and the reds keeper had to make a smart save.

  Carson was powerless to prevent the visitors clawing one back with nine minutes remaining though. Craddock crossed from the right and substitute Clough put the ball in from close range to ensure a tense finish.

  Liverpool held on though without too many problems, and could have added to their lead when Smicer seized onto a bad back-pass and lobbed the ball over

  Nash, only for the ball to narrowly clear the crossbar.

  © Copyright of Liverpool Daily Post

West Bromwich Albion  Liverpool  3 - 1

 
Monday 7 February 2005 FA Barclays Premier League Reserves (Northern Division)
 
 
"West Bromwich A" 3 - 1 "Liverpool"
  ( - )  
 
GOAL
 Elvin2 goals, Dyer    Le Tallec
 
Team: 1. Tomasz Kuszczak, Hodgkiss, Holmes, Marshall, 5. Darren Moore, Gaardsoe, 7. Smikle, 8. O'Connor, 9. Kyle Patterson, 10. Robert Elvins, Lloyd Dyer.

Subs: 12. Tomlinson, 16. Nicholson.		   Team: 1. Patrice Luzi, 2. Jon Otsemobor, 3. Danny Smith, 4. Daniel O'Donnell, 5. James Smith, 6. Danny Guthrie, 7. Ryan Wilkie, 8. David Mannix, 9. Robbie Foy, 10. Anthony Le Tallec, 11. Richie Partridge.

Subs: 14. Paul Barratt, 16. Phil Townley.
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Patterson (Nicholson 77), Marshall (Tomlinson 79)    Partridge (Barratt 51), Le Tallec (Townley 85)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: C Sarginson
     
VENUE   RESERVES COACHS
Aggborough Stadium (capacity )
Attendance: 859		   (West Bromwich A)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)

  Notes:

  - Start line Liverpool FC Reserves written on Official singlpe sheet:

  -  1. Patrice Luzi, 2. Jon Otsemobor, 3. Danny Smith, 4. Daniel O'Donnell, 5. James Smith, 6. Danny Guthrie, 7. Ryan Wilkie, 8. David Mannix, 9. Robbie Foy, 10. Anthony Le Tallec, 11. Richie Partridge.

  Subs: 12. Jordan Holmes, 13. Paul Willis, 14. Paul Barratt, 15. Karl Noon, 16. Phil Townley.

   ANTHONY LE TALLEC was on the scoresheet, but couldn't prevent a young Liverpool reserve side slumping to a 3-1 defeat at West Brom in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

  Le Tallec netted in the second half last night, but was later forced off with a thigh injury.

  Liverpool fell behind on nine minutes, when Darren Moore headed down for Robert Elvins to turn and beat Patrice Luzi from close range. Le Tallec should have levelled immediately, but his shot from Robbie Foy's cutback was high.

  Liverpool were restricted to trying to hit on the break through the pace of Foy and Richie Partridge. Foy shot just over on 28 minutes after being fed by Ryan Wilkie, and three minutes later Partridge's low shot from the corner of the area rolled inches wide.

  David Mannix then forced Kuszczak into action twice in the space of a minute with powerful long-range efforts which had the keeper scrambling, as the Reds began to get more of a foothold.

  No sooner had the second half got under way and West Brom had doubled their lead. Patterson escaped Danny O'Donnell and crossed to the far post where Dyer sidefooted the ball past Luzi.

  Despite this early setback, Liverpool hit back shortly after when Le Tallec ran clear through the centre and skilfully lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper.

  The French youngster should have levelled the scores when Foy sent him clear, but this time he produced a tame finish straight at Kuszczak. Another chance came Le Tallec's way soon after when Wilkie picked him out with a right-wing cross, but again the finish was poor.

  He then limped off to be replaced by Phil Townley. The Baggies wrapped up the win when O'Donnell's mistake allowed Elvin to score again.

  © Copyright of Liverpool Daily Post

Liverpool Reserves  1 - 1  Newcastle United Reserves

 
Monday 14 October 2004 19:00 FA Barclays Premier Reserve League North
 
Liverpool Newcastle United
1 - 1  (0-0)
 
GOAL
 Le Tallec 82  Milner 61
 
  1  Scott Carson
  -  Jose Miguel Rey
  -  Stephen Warnock
  -  Zak Whitbread
  -  Mauricio Pellegrino
  -  Darren Potter
  -  Antonio Nunez
  -  John Welsh
  -  Anthony Le Tallec
  -  Harry Kewell
  -  Vladimir Smicer

 Subs:
 13  Patrice Luzi
  -  Jon Otsemobor
  -  David Raven
  -  David Mannix
  -  Richie Partridge		   1  Tony Caig
  -  Brennan
  -  Kris Gate
  -  Huntington
  -  Peter Ramage
  -  Darren Ambrose
  -  Martin Brittain
  -  Charles N'Zogbia
  -  James Milner
  -  Guy
  -  Alan O'Brien

 Subs:
  -  Finnegan
  -  Webster
  -  Bartlett
  -  Cave
  -  Howe
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Josemi (Raven 46)
 Partridge 60)		  Brennan (Howe )
 Gate (Cave )
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: P Canadine
 Booked:  Booked:
VENUE RESERVES COACHS
Racecourse Ground (capacity 15,500)
Attendance: 661		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool Res)
(Newcastle U Res)

  Price: 20 pence

   I was expecting big things today. It was Valentine's Day after all and as Liverpool had named their strongest reserve side of the season I was hoping to have my heart warmed by a convincing victory. On the way to the ground I rang my sister (who works in a card shop) to see if Valentine day had been postponed as I hadn't received any cards. When she said it wasn't I should have known not to expect too much from the rest of the day.

  In the end what was on the menu for the Valentine's Day special was a pretty disappointing one all draw. There were positives - the return of Kewell & Josemi and the continued recovery of Smicer who tonight played his first 90 minutes since his injury and at the moment positives are gratefully accepted by most reds.

  The game started very well for Liverpool Smicer headed over the bar on two minutes after Kewell crossed from the left after his corner was deflected back to him. A few moments later and that combination was reversed when after good work by Le Tallec, Smicer slipped Kewell through. Kewell drove hard and low as he was one on one with the keeper but the keeper got down very well and pushed the ball behind from a corner. This little spell of dominance prompted a classic from the lad behind me who said 'We are making Newcastle reserves look positively normal!'

  Liverpool were denied a penalty just before the quarter of an hour mark. Kewell and Smicer who had been linking up like two excited newly weds again combined well and when the ball was crossed Nunez rose but the ball was knocked off his head in a Chelsea stylee & again the result was no penalty.

  Le Tallec found himself one on one against the keeper just a few moments later and although the angle was tight he will have been disappointed with his effort which he basically fluffed. That led to a corner which Newcastle comfortably cleared. Nunez was involved in the next Liverpool attack, skipped past a couple of players and his low cross was cleared for a Liverpool corner. Pellegrino flicked on at the near post as the ball was crossed, but this was cleared for yet another corner.

  Newcastle finally joined the action as the game approached the twenty minute mark. They has a fluent break and Carson did very well diving to his right and pushing the ball around the post after Milner had made firm contact with a volley from about 10 yards out.

  The pitch at The Racecourse is starting to cut up a bit now and this made for a bit of a scrappy affair with players quite regularly mis-controlling. And although Liverpool in particular were getting deep into the opposition's half there were seldom clear cut chances created.

  Kewell was heavily involved in the first half action. He was again slipped through by Smicer and just when it looked like he was going to shoot from 20 yards he cut back and the attack fizzled out. He was making an identical run a minute later and again he was put through this time by Potter, but the linesman adjudged Kewell offside. The linesman was late with decisions all night which is very frustrating for players and fans alike.

  Newcastle nearly took the lead in first half injury time. It took some very good defensive covering from Welsh and a good save from Carson to deny them the goal.

  At half time Josemi who was rarely involved was taken off and Raven came on as a straight replacement. Again Liverpool had the first dangerous attack of the half. Nunez jumped up after being fouled and slipped Welsh into the inside right channel with a quick freekick. Un fortunately Welsh delayed his cross too long and the ball was deflected out for The Reds 49th corner of the night!!!!

  From this corner we did actually create something, although not directly. The ball was cleared to Potter who controlled it into Smicer who twisted and shot and saw his effort hit the bar on it's way into the stand.

  Five minutes later and we got a scene of emotion befitting to the day of the lovers. Nunez turned very well and as he ran to put a cross in he was being pulled but clearly still had an advantage. The referee blew his whistle though which prompted Nunez to pick the ball up and goal kick it high into the night sky in a display of sincere displeasure. I thought he was going to cry and the crowd certainly laughed at him!

  Le Tallec had a tame shot from twenty yards which bobbled up as it went to the keeper, but he managed to readjust and collect the ball. Harry Kewell went of to rapturous applause (if about 400 people can be rapturous) on the hour. Within a minute Liverpool were behind.

  Milner was slipped through by Pellegrino with an inch perfect pass. Milner then cut inside Whitbread and slid his shot to the left of the advancing Carson and into the bottom corner. Pellegrino impressed me last week, but this week his distribution was as haphazard as my postman's must have been this morning, when I didn't get a single card.

  Carson was forced to come out of the area and head clear with 15 minutes to go. His header went straight to a Newcastle midfielder who lobbed it back over his head but fortunately wide of goal.

  Just as I was beginning to total up how bad my games to losses ratio id for both the ressies and the firsts over the last two seasons, Liverpool equalised. Le Tallec looking for the ball and dropping a bit deep looked up and saw Smicer at the far post. He clipped in a cross which Vlad took down on his chest - just as he was about to shoot a tackle came in which knocked the ball out to Partidge on the left. He crossed it back in where Le Tallec had advanced unmarked and he rose well to powerfully head home. He enjoyed the goal and celebrated slightly over dramatically considering the context. Still, it was nice to see in a sort of 'calm yourself lad' way.

  If anyone was going to win it from here it was Newcastle as Liverpool had seemed to lose structure. They created a few half chances and one moment of concern was when Carson came to catch a cross and got nowhere near (didn't I tell you we'd stop him catching crosses!).

  On the whole, not a great performance. Kewell looked very good and while he was on the pitch so did Smicer. Warnock was solid and started very well. It's difficult to pick a Man of the match, but I'll go for Potter. He has the unusual ability for a youngster to control the pace of the game at times. He's inconsistent at doing it, but when he does do it, he does it very well.

  Copyright - Transcribed by liverweb.org.uk

L

L

L

L

Liverpool - Leeds United  0 - 1

 
Wednesday 6 April 2005 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Liverpool" 0 - 1 "Leeds United"
GOAL
Team: Paul Harrison, Adam Hitchen, David Raven, Daniel O'Donnell, Zak Whitbread, David Mannix, Richie Partridge, John Welsh, Conal Platt, Darren Potter, Ryan Wilkie.

Subs: Xabi Alonso

 Team: Sasa Ilic, Steven McKeown (Gardner 87), Morris, Rothery, Keegan, Parker, Gray, Chris Jones, Corr, Smith (Bayly 77), Woods.

Subs: Garner.
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Hitchen (Alonso 45)  McKeown (Gardner 87)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
at Wrexham Racecourse Ground (capacity )
Attendance: 452		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Leeds United)

 

 XABI ALONSO enjoyed his first outing since breaking his ankle on New Years Day, but couldn't prevent Liverpool Reserves losing 1-0 at home to a young Leeds United side in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North last night.

  The Spanish international midfielder replaced defender Adam Hitchin at half-time, and wasted little time getting involved as he conceded a free-kick with a crunching challenge within a minute of coming on the pitch.

  Despite looking rusty early on, it didn't take him long to find his range and show his class.

  Liverpool should have led after two minutes, when an exquisite backheel from Darren Potter sent Richie Partridge scampering through, but the Irish winger shot too early and it was a comfortable save for Leeds keeper Sasa Ilic.

  Neither side showed much in a disappointing first half, before the visitors took the lead with their only goal attempt of the game.

  Midfielder Chris Jones collected the ball in the middle of the park, before advancing forward and unleashing a terrific curling shot from 25 yards which nestled in the top corner of Paul Harrison's net.

  Potter had a good chance to level when Partridge found him 12 yards out, but the midfielder scuffed his shot.

  Alonso's introduction did lift Liverpool, and they dominated the second half without ever really looking likely to level.

  Danny O'Donnell and John Welsh should have done better with opportunities following set-pieces, and Partridge twice went close but was narrowly off target.

  Ryan Wilkie had an impressive game for Liverpool on the left wing, particularly in the second half where he tormented Leeds right-back Steven McKeown so much he eventually had to be substituted. Wilkie linked up well with full-back David Raven, but for all the Scottish youngster's promptings the equaliser never came.

  © Copyright of Liverpool Daily Post

L

Liverpool - Blackburn Rovers  3 - 3

 
Monday 18 April 2005 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Liverpool" 3 - 3 "Blackburn Rovers"
GOAL
 Partridge, Le Tallec-2
Team: Paul Harrison, Adam Hitchen, David Raven, Daniel O'Donnell, Zak Whitbread, David Mannix, Richie Partridge, John Welsh, Anthony Le Tallec, Darren Potter, Paul Barratt.

Subs: Phil Townley, Karl Noon, Paul Willis, Adam Hammill, James Frayne.

 Team: Drench, Kane, Taylor, Weaver, Barr, Nolan, Welch, Harkins, Derbyshire, Barker, Byrom.

Subs: Hodge, Woods, Garner.
SUBSTITUTIONS
 Hitchen (Townley 45)  Byrom (Hodge 30), Welch (Woods 77), Barker (Garner 80)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: A. Page
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 356		 Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)
(Blackburn Rovers)

 

   LE TALLEC AT THE DOUBLE IN RESERVES THRILLER

  Blackburn Rovers were 2-0 up after six minutes but Reds goalkeeper Paul Harrison made some terrific saves to enable Liverpool to get back into the game.

  It was a fantastic game of football full of goals, defensive mishaps, near misses and fine saves.

  Le Tallec played up front as the main striker, played the full 90 minutes, and was superb especially in the second half.

  Both teams were full of young players and former Liverpool Academy winger Ralph Welch was in the Blackburn side.

  Darren Potter played just off Le Tallec up front with captain John Welsh and David Mannix in the centre of midfield.

  Liverpool started very sloppily and found themselves 2-0 down after just six minutes. The opening goal arrived after two minutes. Zak Whitbread stood on the ball and let in Keith Barker who set up strike partner Matt Derbyshire who finished well.

  Four minutes later the same combination made the second goal. Potter lost the ball and Barker beat Whitbread before playing in Derbyshire whose finish was clinical giving Harrison absolutely no chance.

  Liverpool Reserve manager Hughie McAuley was not happy with his side's defending for the two goals and they paid the price for some sloppy play.

  Liverpool should have had a goal back after nine minutes when John Welsh had two great chances. First he miskicked from seven yards out then after Blackburn failed to clear Welsh had another chance but could only shoot straight at Steven Drench.

  Then Le Tallec missed two great chances. He sent a header wide and then after winning the ball he found himself clean through but could only shoot straight at Drench.

  Blackburn then should have made it 3-0 after 13 minutes when a mistake by DannyO'Donnell gave Barker a glorious chance but from five yards out he miskicked and it was an easy save for Harrison.

  The excellent Derbyshire then nearly completed a first half hat-trick after 26 minutes but Harrison produced a stunning save to keep out his goalbound volley.

  Three minutes later Darren Potter should have made it 2-1 but could only fire over the bar after a superb one-two between him and Richie Partridge.

  Harrison then kept Liverpool in it with two more great saves just before half-time. First he palmed Derbyshire's effort onto a post when the striker ran clean through and then denied the Rovers striker again with a superb save from his volley.

  For the second half Hughie McAuley made a tactical change by bringing on Academy striker Phil Townley to midfield with Potter dropping back to central midfield with Welsh. Adam Hitchen made way with Mannix moving to right back.

  With Welsh and Potter now pulling the strings in midfield Liverpool were a much improved team, however the Reds had Harrison to thank for keeping them in the game with a superb save to keep out Gary Harkins header.

  From then on Liverpool got back into the game and went 3-2 up in 15 minutes.

  After 52 minutes Townley got in behind the Rovers defence down the right and after superb hold-up play from Le Tallec he set up Richie Partridge who drilled a low shot past Drench for 2-1.

  Then straight from the kick-off Le Tallec made it 2-2. It started with superb play down the left from 17-year-old Paul Barratt and from his excellent low cross Le Tallec was on hand to make it 2-2.

  On the hour mark it was 3-2, Le Tallec again the scorer with a superb glanced header into the corner of the net from Potter's free-kick.

  Derbyshire then missed a great chance to make it 3-3 after 68 minutes when he got in behind the Reds defence but blazed over the bar. They came even closer five minutes later when a flowing move down the right involving former Red Welch set up Tony Kane. His superb cross was met by Barker whose header came off the post and deflected back into the grateful arms of Harrison.

  Barratt then went close to making it 4-2 to Liverpool when his shot was saved by Drench after a superb run. Barratt had a fine game for Liverpool and the 17-year-old has impressed at reserve level and once again can be pleased with his contribution.

  Unfortunately the Reds couldn't hold onto their lead and Blackburn levelled 10 minutes from time and again from a defensive point of view it was disappointing from Liverpool. Andy Taylor got in behind the Reds defence down the left and after his cross wasn't dealt with by David Raven, Paul Weaver made no mistake with the finish for 3-3.

  Blackburn then might have won it had it not been for another good save from Paul Harrison.

  Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Paul Harrison. Simply because he kept Liverpool in the match and enabled the Reds to get a point with some fine saves. Anthony Le Tallec had an excellent second half and 17-year-old Paul Barratt did really well on the left side of midfield.

  © Copyright of Official Site Liverpool F C

Manchester City - Liverpool  5 - 0

 
Tuesday 26 April 2005 2005 Barclays Premier Reserve League North
"Manchester City" 5 - 0 "Liverpool"
GOAL
Team: Kasper Schmeichel, John Macken, Stephen Ireland, Croft,  Bradley Wright-Phillips,

Subs: 

 Team: Paul Harrison, David Raven, Jon Otsemobor, Daniel O'Donnell, Zak Whitbread, David Mannix, Richie Partridge, John Welsh, Conal Platt, Darren Potter, Ryan Wilkie.

Subs: Phil Townley, Josemi.
SUBSTITUTIONS
&Platt (Townley 45), Wilkie (Josemi 58)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: 
VENUE RESERVES COACH
(capacity )
Attendance: 		(Manchester City)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)

 

 JOSEMI returned to action as a second-half substitute, as Liverpool reserves ended the season with a disappointing 5-0 defeat at Manchester City last night.

  The loss meant Liverpool finished the campaign second from bottom of the Barclays FA Premier Reserve League North.

  City went ahead after 25 minutes when John Macken curled a 25-yard shot into the top corner of the net. A minute later Stephen Ireland should have doubled the lead but was denied by a fine stop by Paul Harrison.

  The second goal came on 28 minutes when Macken nodded down and Bradley Wright-Phillips lashed in a half-volley from 16 yards.

  Richie Partridge and Ryan Wilkie were enjoying some success down the flanks, but City keeper Kasper Schmeichel didn't have a save to make in the opening 45 minutes.

  Macken hit his second four minutes before half-time when he raced clear through the centre to score with a low shot.

  Five minutes into the second half Wright-Phillips headed in his second after Croft delivered a pinpoint cross.

  Croft almost made another for Macken seconds later, but Harrison saved. Croft was giving Liverpool all sorts of trouble, and he created City's fifth goal with a fantastic cut back which was expertly converted by substitute Laird.

  Substitute Phil Townley finally managed to force a save out of Schmeichel in the 75th minute with a header from Jon Otsemobor's cross, while Harrison had to be at his best to deny Wright-Phillips a hat-trick with an excellent close-range stop.

  © Copyright of Liverpool Daily Post

L

Marine - Liverpool (Res)  1 - 0

 
15 March 2004 Senior Cup
"Marine" 1 - 0 "Liverpool" Res.
GOAL
Team:

Subs: 

 Team: Paul Willis, James.Smith, Danny Smith, Adam Hitchen, Danny O'Donnell (c), Francis Smith, Adam Hammill, Paul Barratt, Ryan Wilkie, Karl Noon, Phil Townley.

Subs: Spearing, Paul Lancaster, Barnett, Conal Platt
SUBSTITUTIONS
 F. Smith (Spearing 61)
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: P.Dunn
VENUE COACH
at Marine's Rossett Park (capacity )
Attendance: 365		 (Marine)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool)

 

  The Reds were sent crashing out of the Liverpool Senior Cup last night at Marine's Rossett Park. Marine won the game 2-0 and that scoreline sadly flattered the Reds. With some more clinical finishing Marine could easily have won this by four or five goals.

  This was first visit to Marine's ground at College Road, Crosby and despite the game it was very enjoyable. I took up my stance just to the left of the goal as I saw it at the College Road end of the ground. As I arrived the two sides were out warming up and the Reds were noticeable that they were playing their academy side. All of the players on show could have played at the U18 level with just a couple of over age players. They were captain Danny O'Donnell and Paul Willis.

  As the sides ran out to what was a sizeable crowd the cheer went up from the Marine faithful. Marine got the game underway attacking the College Road end in the first half and this was were most of the action took place. The Reds simply never got going and as is normal for the Reds coaching staff they were silent. None of this coaching from the sidelines to help the players but lets sit down and hope we don't get to cold sitting in the dugout. This lack of noise from the bench is really starting to wind me up now as the Reds who take to the field at this level very rarely look like a team who train together all week.

  Marine had their first real effort on goal after just three minutes and it was as a result of Paul Willis. Willis fluffed his clearance forward. It went straight to McNally who shot on target. Thankfully Willis had got back and saved the ball at the second attempt. Marine then went close three minutes later but Ben Kay sent his header just over the bar. The play was all Marine at this stage with the Reds struggling to get the ball down and pass to their own man. You really wouldn't have guessed that Marine are struggling in the Unibond league this season on this performance.

  Willis was again sharp to cut out a headed cross by Michael Ellison as the Reds seemed to sink further and further back. On fourteen minutes Liam McGuire hit a shot he would probably want to forget as it sailed high wide and out of the ground. The noticeable thing with such a compact ground was the number of times the ball sailed over the perimeter fence and into someone's back garden.

  Midway through the half a deep cross to McNally was headed back across the area but Kay could only head wide of the goal when he perhaps should have done better. Within a minute and Marine were rightly awarded a penalty. Adam Hitchen who hadn't settled all night grabbed his man in the box and was wrestling with him in order to get possession. The linesman instantly put his flag across his chest and despite Hitch's protests the spot kick was given. Ben Kay stepped up and sent it to Willis right but a great dive saw Willis save the kick and Marine then missed with the follow up shot. Willis is certainly a quality keeper when it comes to spot kicks and kept the Reds in it at this point.

  On twenty five minutes and much to the shock of the whole crowd the Reds actually had a shot on goal. Franny Smith had the shot which went very wide of the target. Marine finally too a deserved lead on twenty seven minutes and it came from a much debated penalty. Well debated from Jamie Smith at least who was so incensed by the referee's decision that he clearly told the ref where to go should we say. Smith handled the ball in the area with the referee about two yards away from him and after he calmed down the referee booked Smith and Lee Mullin spotted the ball up. He sent Willis the wrong way as Marine went one up.

  Surely at this point a reaction would come from the Reds but it didn't as Marine continued to press forward. They certainly wanted that spot in the final and a chance to win the trophy again in Roly Howard's final season. Roly has been at the club now for 33 years and is finally stepping down so it would be nice if Marine could send him off with some silverware in the cabinet.

  Marine captain James Connolly got the games second booking as he chopped down Adam Hammill who was one of the few players working to do something going forward for the Reds. After treatment on the pitch and off it he was allowed back on for the Reds. On thirty four minutes the Reds were almost two down. First Willis was out well to save from McNally and then in the very next attack he came racing from his goal and collided with Jamie Smith in trying to clear the ball. Thankfully for the Reds the ball fell aimlessly out but Willis did need treatment for a knock in the incident.

  Willis was forced in to a reaction save at his near post on forty minutes as Marine looked like they could carve the Reds open at will. McNally probably should have scored just a minute before the interval when he managed to get through past Hitchen who for some reason switched off. Willis though came out and narrowed the angle and McNally shot across the keeper but also across the goal and it went just wide. Then shock of all horrors the Reds had an effort on goal. Ryan Wilkie did well to follow up on a Reds attack that broke down and he crossed for Noon but his shot went straight at the keeper.

  The Reds traipsed off at half time a goal down and with everything to play for still. Marine must have wandered off wondering how long they could keep going for and if they would be forced to pay for their missed chances. The Reds came out for the second half and did play slightly better but Marine coped easily enough with the pressure. Liverpool kicked off and with a couple of minutes had a shot on goal again. This one came from Danny Smith but it took a deflection on the way to goal and the keeper saved easily.

  Ryan Wilkie then did well to get the ball down and feed Karl Noon but the striker shot early. His shot went wide of goal when the better option would have been to close in on goal but there were odd signs that the Reds might be improving. That didn't last long though and the impressive Darren Brookfield shot just wide for Marine a minute later. Just eight minutes into the second half and it was game over as Marine grabbed a second goal. Paul McNally headed home from close range after Kay had crossed the ball back in.

  This really signalled the end of the game for the Reds really. They returned quickly to their poor play and style and of course got no encouragement from the bench. None of the players on the pitch were talking much to one another and you'd have though this team had just got together for the first time in their career. Jay Spearing came on after sixty one minutes and the first things you saw was him trying to encourage the side. This is nothing unusual for Spearing but it certainly stuck out last night and in a sense was embarrassing that it took a 16 year old to try and get the team ethic going.

  Goal attempts dried up at this point with Marine content with a 2-0 win but trying to go forward were possible whilst the Reds were simply useless going forward. Karl Noon made so many good runs but could do little when the balls played to him tended to be lamped up to him. Danny Smith picked up a booking with a minute to go as tempers threatened to boil over at one point. After a minute of added time the referee blew for time and the Reds were out with little more than turning up.

  Marine were up for this game and won this with ease. They march on to play Everton in the final of the trophy later this season and best of luck to them. They won by two goals but had it been by four or five it would have been equally deserved. The Reds were very poor on the night and the numerous comments around the ground from Marine fans I spoke to were about how the Reds simply didn't look like a team. There was no togetherness or anything and they deserved everything they got. Marine fielded a few young kids in their lineup and it was very noticeable how having played at non league level they were more up to the physical demands of the game.

  MOM - Karl Noon - very hard choice given no player really shone on the night for the Reds but Noon played as he always des. He can match the physical battle and his pace is good. With decent service he might have had some rewards on the night. Ryan Wilkie and Adam Hammill were the only other lads who looked like they might get something from the game.

  Copyright - Transcribed by liverweb.org.uk

Vauxhall Motors  1 - 2  Liverpool Reserves

 
Friday 30 July 2004 Friendly Reserves
 
Vauxhall Motors Liverpool Res
1 - 2  (0-1)
 
GOAL
   M Smyth 35, Le Tallec 64
 
    1  Tim Citner
  2  Carl Spellman
  3  Wayne McDermott
  4  Tony Hallam
  5 
  6  Alan griffiths
  7 
  8  Robbie Lawton
  9  John Durnin
 10  Marvin Molyneux
 11  Peter Cumiskey

 Subs:
 13  Carl MacAulay
 12  Mike Kinsella
 14  James Thomas
 15  Carl O'Donnell
 16  M Duffy		   1  Patrice Luzi
  2  Jon Otsemobor
  3  Chris Butler
  4  David Raven
  5  Danny O'Donnell
  6  Danny Guthrie
  7  John Welsh (c)
  8  Darren Potter
  9  Mark Smyth
 10  Anthony Le Tallec
 11  Robbie Foy

 Subs:
 13  Paul Willis
 12  Phil Townley
 14  John Paul Kelly
 15  Lee Peltier
 16  James Smith
 
SUBSTITUTIONS
   Butler (J Smith ?)
 
OFFICIALS & BOOKINGS
Referee: G Etrain Linesmen: S Cummins, B Robinsons
 Booked:  Booked:
VENUE RESERVES COACHS
Rivacre Park (capacity )
Attendance: 987		 (Vauxhall M)
Hughie McAuley (Liverpool Res)

  Notes:

  - Vauxhall M used home kits: white shirt & navy shorts & white socks.

   Mark Smyth and Anthony Le Tallec were both on the scoresheet as the reds' reserves overcame non-league Vauxhall Motors in a hard fought game at Rivacre Park.

  Hughie McAuley was without the injured Neil Mellor and Richie Partridge, whilst Gregory Vignal and Carl Medjani were unavailable due to being on trial at Rangers and Lorient respectively. Both are hoping to impress enough to earn season long loan deals.

  Another player hoping to get away on loan, Anthony Le Tallec, was included however, although there was no sign of El Hadji Diouf, who had been expected to play.

  Left back Chris Butler was back from a long term knee injury however, and Smyth was a surprise starter after originally having been released by the club at the end of last season.

  Smyth still had 12 months left on his contract, and refused the option of having it paid up by the club as he wanted to stay and prove himself.

  Vauxhall's squad included several players who were at one time on Liverpool's books, including new signing John Durnin, who is now on the reds' Academy coaching staff as well as turning out for Vauxhall.

  Liverpool started better, and for the opening half an hour or so they knocked the ball about crisply with the outstanding Darren Potter highly influential.

  Le Tallec played up front, but was repeatedly caught offside and his frustration was evident for all to see. He pouted, he threw his arms up in the air, he berated his team-mates and he cursed repeatedly. He even had the gall to have a go at Potter, despite the Ireland u21 midfielder being the best player on the pitch by a street.

  Le Tallec clearly felt he was above this type of game, which he probably is to be fair. However, it was he who requested to be left behind from the North American tour, so he only has himself to blame.

  It was the young Frenchman who had the game's first serious effort on goal when he saw a diving header brilliantly saved by the Vauxhall keeper after a left wing cross from Butler.

  The keeper also did well to deny Potter from long range, but was helpless to prevent Smyth opening the scoring on 35 minutes.

  Welsh surged through the middle and split the defence to find Robbie Foy. The young Scottish winger unselfishly squared the ball, presenting the unmarked Smyth with a tap in which he gleefully accepted.

  The goal had been coming, only minutes earlier a cynical foul prevented Otsemobor from having a clear run at goal. The full back collected the ball inside his own half and just took off through the centre. He looked like he was going to go all the way before he was crudely stopped in his tracks by the centre half. A classic non league defender's tackle you might say!

  This was to prove to be the reds best spell of the game. Seconds after taking the lead they should have been two up. Le Tallec for once sprung the offside trap, and went round the keeper before unselfishly squaring the ball to Smyth.

  The striker delayed however as he looked to get the ball onto his left foot, and when he got his shot away the keeper had recovered his ground and made a smart save.

  At the other end, Vauxhall struggled to get any change out of a Liverpool defence which was impeccably marshalled by David Raven. The England u19 skipper doesn't do anything especially eye catching, and rarely ever has to go to ground to win the ball.

  He just reads the game extremely well and tidies thing up with the minimum of fuss. He even managed to get forward three or four times from open play, and looks to be playing with great confidence.

  If Carl Medjani seals his loan move to Lorient, then that could open up the door for Raven to claim a regular starting place for the reserves this season.

  Chris Butler too will be hoping that Gregory Vignal's proposed move to Ibrox goes through, as that would give him a much greater chance of staking a claim for the left back spot in Hughie McAuley's team.

  Butler had an excellent game considering the length of his absence. He's very good going forward and regularly delivers a good ball from out wide.

  He's tall and leggy, and is very comfortable running with the ball. One trademark Butler surge almost enabled Le Tallec to double the reds' lead before half time, but the French youngster just couldn't quite stretch far enough to get a significant touch on the cross.

  Butler had done superbly to get a ball into the box, after his run looked to have been halted by three defenders. He somehow managed to wriggle free though and get to the byline, and the cross was a good one.

  Rather than applaud the full back's efforts however, ALT chose to fling his arms up in disgust and scream his frustration at the ball not being played through earlier. He may have had a point, but his attitude is not going to make him many friends in the dressing room. Not that I expect he cares.

  Anthony's antics in the first half were fascinating, and I found it hard to keep my eyes off him. Every offside decision against him was greeted with a pout, a jutting bottom lip and an expletive, either at a linesman, himself or a team-mate. You could say his behaviour was 'typically French'. But that would be unfair on the handful of French players who don't carry on like this. Pongolle, Traore and Medjani spring to mind, and er.... well that's about it.

  ALT actually spent about ten minutes complaining to the referee to change the ball. The ref paid no attention, so he then turned to the Liverpool bench to get them to try and do something about it. His pleas fell on deaf ears though.

  But for all his histrionics and fits of ego, the lad can play and personally I think it would be a very bad move to allow him to go out on loan. He's good enough to do a job for the first team, and let's be honest we aren't exactly well off in the attacking midfield department.

  On 64 minutes he got himself on the scoresheet with a simple tap in. Otsemobor played the ball into the box, and Smyth spun free of his marker and went around the keeper. He should have scored, but from a narrow angle he prodded the ball against the post. Luckily ALT was on hand to stroke home the rebound.

  After his double strike against Wrexham that's three in two games now for the French u21 star. It's interesting that Rafael Benitez seems to look on Le Tallec as a striker rather than a midfielder. He's played up front in both games so far, and Benitez said he was prepared to allow him to go out on loan because he 'has four top strikers already'.

  If ALT is competing for a place up front he has no chance. Midfield is a different story however, and I can't help feeling that Baros, Cisse, Owen and of course his pal Flo would all benefit from Anthony's vision and passing ability.

After the second goal the reds slacked off somewhat. James Smith replaced Butler, and Vauxhall came right into it. Not because of the substitution I must stress, Smith was solid enough when he came on. It just seemed like Liverpool eased off a bit.

  One of the Vauxhall substitutes crashed a stunning half volley from 35 yards against the underside of the bar, and on 69 minutes he got clear of the reds' defence and finished well past a helpless Luzi to reduce the deficit to one again.

  Immediately Liverpool tried to hit back, and Welsh stung the keeper's palms with a shot from the edge of the box, and the ever alert Le Tallec just failed to seize on the rebound.

  Overall it was a good workout for the reds second string. Potter was exceptional, especially in the first half, and he could be pushing for a first team squad place this season if he keeps up this kind of form.

  John Welsh on the other hand, looks to be a bit downhearted. He was bitterly disappointed to be overlooked in favour of Salif Diao for the tour to America, and if he is to spend another season in the reserves this season I honestly think it could kill his career.

  John Welsh needs first team football. Reserve games are no longer beneficial to him, and he has stood still for the past two years through no real fault of his own.

  Against Vauxhall John was the least effective I've ever seen him. He wasn't bad, but it wasn't the John Welsh I've been watching for the last three or four years. He has to get out on loan this season or he may never fulfill the immense potential he has.

  The same goes for Otsemobor, and to a lesser extent Mellor when he regains fitness. They're proven performers at reserve level, and it's no longer a challenge for them. I mean for God's sake, Mellor scored ten goals in just four reserve games for the reds last season (he also had another four disallowed!).

  So if these lads are not going to play in the first team, then they need to follow the route taken by Danny Murphy and more recently Stephen Warnock.

  Let them go out and gain experience in division one or perhaps even another Premiership club, and see how they do. Warnock spent a season at Coventry and was the club's player of the season. He's now come back and been told by Benitez that he is a part of his plans. There's no reason why Welsh, Semmy & co can't do the same.

  Team: Patrice Luzi; Jon Otsemobor, David Raven, Danny O'Donnell, Chris Butler (James Smith); Danny Guthrie, John Welsh, Darren Potter, Robbie Foy; Anthony Le Tallec, Mark Smyth:

  Star Man - Darren Potter

  By Dave Usher at Rivacre Park

  Copyright - Transcribed by liverweb.org.uk

L

Hosted by uCoz ?aeoeia@Mail.ru