Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Babel Injured In Reserves Loss

Ryan Babel has handed Liverpool an injury scare after he was substituted during the reserves' 2-1 friendly defeat at Huddersfield Town in front of the watching Sammy Lee on Tuesday afternoon.

The Dutch international played as a central striker and went close to scoring on several occasions, but he was forced off the field 15 minutes from time after taking a knock to his ribs.

Liverpool's No.19 was clearly in pain when he left the pitch and was later taken to hospital for an X-ray to assess the full extent of the injury.

On a brighter note, Fabio Aurelio enjoyed a 60-minute outing at left back as he looks to gain match fitness and he looked sharp throughout.

Nathan Eccleston had given Liverpool an early lead in Yorkshire, but two goals from two corners proved to be Liverpool's undoing as Huddersfield's second string earned the victory.

The home side almost scored straight from the kick-off when a well worked move saw Chris Mavinga make a goal saving clearance in his own penalty area.

Liverpool responded and Eccleston gave John McMahon's side the perfect start when he cut inside from the right, glided past his marker and produced a superb curled finish.

Eccleston enjoyed a loan spell at the Galpharm Stadium last year and he clearly endeared himself to the Town supporters who gave him a nice reception.

With this being half-term there were a lot of youngsters in the crowd and Daniel Pacheco gave them something to cheer with some great play down the left wing, which resulted in his teasing cross being cleared.

Babel had a great chance to make it 2-0 after seven minutes when he cut inside from the left only to see his curled effort well saved by the experienced Nick Colgan.

Aiden Chipperdale went close for the home side with a crisp low drive that flew just wide, and at other end Eccleston was denied by Colgan after a superb Tom Ince pass had sent him clear.

Huddersfield, watched by their assistant manager and Kop legend Terry McDermott, kept plugging away and equalized after 24 minutes.

Brad Jones made an excellent save to deny Joe Garner but from the resulting corner the Australian 'keeper was caught in no man's land when he flapped at the cross and Jamie McCombe steered the ball home for 1-1.

Liverpool should have made it 2-1 in first half stoppage time when Spearing's excellent pass sent Babel clean through, but his weak effort was blocked by Colgan.

McMahon made a switch for the second half when exciting Spanish starlet Suso came on for Ince.

Babel had two great chances to score three minutes after the restart. First he miscued when the ball fell to him invitingly on the edge of the box, and a minute later Aurelio's pinpoint cross from the left found him unmarked but his header was kept out by Colgan. The Dutch international followed up the stopper's parry but again the Huddersfield 'keeper won the personal duel and his third effort was cleared.

The Reds almost fell behind when a brilliant long range strike from Rhodes was deflected onto the bar. However, their sighs of relief were short-lived as the hosts took the lead from the resulting corner when Nathan Clarke headed home at the near post.

Spearing went close to an equalizer after a good run saw him cut into the box but his effort was kept out by Colgan.

With Babel leaving the field 15 minutes from time Pacheco switched to his favoured central role but despite his best efforts, the Spaniard was unable to inspire a comeback.

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