Friday, March 19, 2010

McMahon Salutes Ayala

John McMahon saluted Spanish defender Daniel Ayala after he gave a commanding performance during the reserves' 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday.

Goals from Lauri Dalla Valle and Daniel Pacheco sealed the Reds' place in the final of the Lancashire Senior Cup, and stretched the unbeaten run to 13 games.

Ayala and Victor Palsson were solid as a rock at the back and McMahon was delighted with the display.

"The game suited Danny as we needed passion and strength and he has got that in abundance," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He won headers, made some strong tackles and did well for us.

"Palsson did well again at centre-half. He has played there a few times now and showed some good signs in this game. Hopefully he can keep on improving.

"It's pleasing to get to another final and to have another game is also an added bonus."

Dalla Valla took his tally to two goals in two starts for the reserves this season and McMahon is pleased with his progress.

"It's the old cliché but that is what he is paid to do and if Lauri keeps doing that that's all we can ask for," he added.

"He is getting better all of the time and when the chances come along, more often than not he takes them.

"Lauri was up against two strong defenders and to play against them was good for his progress.

"It was a really good test for us against a big and strong side. They had a really good intensity about their work and closed us down quickly, so it was a hard game for us."

Spanish starlet Pacheco added the second goal with a superb finish and McMahon said: "Dani needed the game. He has been away with Spain Under-19s at a training camp and he was a little out of sorts and off the pace, so this game will be a big benefit to him.

"He took his goal really well."

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