Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Amoo Strikes In Leeds Draw

David Amoo was on target as a young Liverpool reserve team fought back to secure a 2-2 draw with Leeds United at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

The Reds went in at the interval trailing to two quick-fire goals after initially struggling to combat the pace and power of an experienced opposition.

However, they reduced the arrears on 53 minutes through Amoo's cool finish before substitute Adam Morgan cracked home the equalizer with a stunning shot from the edge of the box.

John McMahon named a relatively inexperienced starting XI for the visit of the Yorkshire outfit with many of the youngsters on show likely to make up the majority of this season's Youth Cup team.

It gave a fascinating glimpse into the level of talent emerging from the Reds' Academy and they almost got off to the perfect start when they came within a whisker of opening the scoring on three minutes.

Toni Silva cut in from the right flank and teased a clever pass into Suso who saw his audacious 30 yarder arrow just wide of the right-hand post.

The Reds were looking lively on the counter attack and after Suso drilled another effort way off target, Amoo could only help Bruna's drilled cross into the grateful arms of the Leeds stopper.

It had been a solid opening for McMahon's team but just when it seemed they were getting on top, the visitors sprung forward and snatched the advantage on 28 minutes.

It was a shock to the system for the youngsters and before they could recover they were two down as the away side tucked home a penalty after Stephen Sama was penalized.

At this point it was all Leeds and they should have made it three just before interval but the ball cannoned back off the far post, much to the relief of Dean Bouzanis in the Liverpool goal.

A flurry of half-time substitutions meant there were more than a few new faces as the second-half got underway and the Reds made a determined start.

Roy Hodgson was an interested spectator on the sidelines and his quick chat with Amoo seemed to make an immediate impact as the forward gave the hosts a lifeline on 53 minutes.

Suso gained possession just inside the Leeds half and played a sublimely weighted ball into Amoo who made no mistake, rounding the 'keeper and coolly slotting home.

It gave the Reds the lift they needed and within five minutes they were level as Morgan cut in from the left and flashed a stunning shot into the top corner. It was a goal right out of the top drawer and one that must have impressed the watching Hodgson.

The momentum was now with Liverpool and after Suso saw his curling free-kick well saved Amoo drilled just wide of the upright.

Steven Irwin, Nicolaj Kohlert and Amoo all went close before Morgan was denied a last-gasp winner when he saw his shot from point-blank range brilliantly saved.

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