Thursday, March 14, 2013

Dunn Double Fires Reds To Semi-Finals

A second-half strike from Lloyd Jones followed by an impressive brace from Jack Dunn sent Liverpool cruising into the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup after their comfortable 3-0 victory over Hull City at the KC Stadium on Tuesday.

Two goals in four minutes from the Reds in the second period secured a passage into the next round and a second goal from Dunn, late into the match, helped make it a memorable evening for Steve Cooper's side.

The win sets up a mouth-watering two-legged tie against Chelsea in the last four of the competition.

Hull's Danny Chambers posed the greatest threat in the early stages when his attempt caused a brief scare.

Joel Sutton remained composed under pressure in Liverpool's area as he flicked the ball towards the striker, who chested it down before rifling a shot into the side netting.

Despite early pressure from the home side, the Reds responded well and created an opportunity for themselves in the 12th minute.

The influential Dan Trickett-Smith was typically looking to cause problems for the opposition and found Dunn in space on the edge of the area. The midfielder attempted to curl an effort towards the far corner but the resulting shot was a tame one that flew straight at goalkeeper Joe Cracknell.

As the first half progressed, both sides' defences remained resolute and restricted opposing attacks to minimal space until two attempts in as many minutes nearly broke the deadlock as half-time approached.

The first chance fell to the Tigers when Ryan Fallowfield met a cross with a looping header that soared onto the roof of the net before Jordon Ibe's devastating pace presented him with a glorious chance to send the Reds into the lead.

Liverpool countered when Ibe surged into Hull's half and continued his pacy run into the home side's box but was foiled by Cracknell as the goalkeeper reacted well to smother the winger's low shot.

The second half proved to be much more eventful as two goals inside the opening quarter of an hour condemned Hull.

The first goal came from an unlikely source in the form of Jones when the defender displayed predatory instincts to gift the Reds a lead.

A chipped pass from Jordan Lussey surprisingly drew no contact from several players in the area as it found its way to Jones, who immediately spun and fired an unstoppable drive past the helpless Cracknell to net his first U18s goal.

The Reds didn't allow Hull time to react to falling behind as Dunn ruthlessly struck again to extend Liverpool's tally shortly before the hour mark. It means the local lad has scored in every round of the competition so far.

Jones was the provider on this occasion as his long ball was expertly taken into Dunn's stride before the midfielder skipped behind the Tigers' backline and accurately bent a shot across Cracknell and into the far corner of the net.

After securing a two-goal cushion, the Reds adopted a more disciplined approach and dominated possession while still creating opportunities.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, Dunn came back to haunt Hull as he struck a third goal for the visitors.

A through-ball from Rossiter towards the midfielder was intercepted by Cracknell. The 'keeper's attempted clearance ricocheted into the onrushing Dunn, who gratefully slotted the ball into the gaping net to confirm the pleasing victory.

No comments: