Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Liverpool Under-18s Celebrate 4-0 Comback

Liverpool under-18s bounced back from the 4-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion the previous week to land their first FA Premier Academy League victory of 2009 as they beat Crewe Alexandra 3-1.

Hugh McAuley’s side were in fine form and goals from Nathan Eccleston, David Amoo and Alex Kacaniklic gave them a boost ahead of Friday’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final with Bolton Wanderers at Anfield.

Early on Amoo has one headed effort, Lauri Dalla Valle was denied superbly by Crewe keeper Daniel Platt, while Kacaniklic saw a shot cleared off the line. Platt also denied Eccleston on the half-hour, before Liverpool took the lead seven minutes late. A fine run by Amoo teed up Eccleston, but despite Platt again saving his initial effort, he fired home the rebound.

Crewe quickly drew level with a flicked header at the near post. But Amoo restored the lead following an excellent run and shot at the near post. Seven minutes after the restart Liverpool added a third goal when Kacaniklic scored from close range. Liverpool continued to press for more goals Platt again saving well from Eccleston, while Dalla Valle, Michael Scott and Amoo all went close to extending the lead.

Coach McAuley was delighted with his efforts and said: “We needed to bounce back after last week’s defeat to West Brom. We had the big hitters out, if you like, and it was a very good performance. It was a good football match which it always is against Crewe. In the first half it was a bit end-to-end and they had one or two chances, but we dealt with them well. Generally speaking we played good football throughout and controlled the game, which was very pleasing.”

McAuley added: “The goals we scored were good and we had other chances as well. It was ideal preparation and sets us up nicely for the cup match. Overall it was a pleasing day at the office.”

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Bouzanis; Scott, Metcalfe, Kennedy, Robinson; Amoo, Pepper (Roberts 75), Irwin, Kacaniklic; Eccleston, Dalla Valle (Cooper 85). Subs: Duyan, O’Connor.

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