Saturday, March 02, 2013

U18s Progress To Youth Cup Quarters

A devastating brace from Jordon Ibe sent Liverpool through to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup after the Reds' 3-1 victory over Leeds United at Anfield on Thursday night.

Two first-half strikes from the winger and a late Jack Dunn tap-in were enough to send the visitors crashing out as the Reds set up a clash with Hull City in the last eight of the competition.

After a slow start to proceedings with a distinct lack of opportunities for either side, Ibe created an opening for himself in the 11th minute.

The pacy winger skipped past Alex Mowatt with ease before charging deep into Leeds' half and dragging a powerful effort narrowly wide.

Shortly after, Ibe was furious at not being awarded a penalty for what appeared to be a clear foul.

After cleverly weaving his way into Leeds' box, Ibe was blatantly tripped by Afolabi Coker - but the referee surprisingly waved play on.

Eoghan Stokes, who replaced the injured Lewis Walters, made an instant impact for Leeds when he found the net in the 24th minute - but it was deemed to be in unfair circumstances by the referee.

Mowatt's corner was headed back towards the substitute, who shoved goalkeeper Ryan Fulton to the floor as he nodded the ball into the gaping net.

The energetic Ibe caused problems for the visitors yet again when he fired Liverpool into the lead just before the half-hour mark.

Dan Trickett-Smith showed excellent awareness as he stretched to intercept a pass in Leeds' half before releasing Ibe down the left flank.

The youngster shifted the ball past Mowatt before drilling a low shot that deflected beyond the outstretched arm of Eric Grimes and into the bottom corner.

Liverpool's constant pressing did not relent as the hungry Ibe provided striker Jerome Sinclair with an opportunity minutes after finding the net himself.

An extravagant flick from the winger sent Sinclair surging towards goal. The frontman twisted and turned away from several opposing players before rifling the ball agonizingly into the side netting.

Just over five minutes before the break, a rapid counter-attack from the Reds punished the exposed Leeds defence.

Once again, Ibe utilized his stunning pace to harm the visitors. After receiving possession in Liverpool's half, the 17-year-old sped down the wing and glided past Corey Roper before driving a ferocious shot across Grimes and into the far corner of the net.

The restart brought a more conservative approach from Liverpool as the Reds looked to consolidate their lead. The home side's backline remained sturdy but a slightly misplaced pass allowed Leeds an opportunity shortly after the hour mark.

Luke Parkin latched onto the loose ball and immediately slid it through to Stokes. Despite finding himself in space, the youngster rushed and sliced his 20-yard attempt well wide.

With little over 20 minutes remaining, the visitors began to pile on the pressure as they looked to salvage their status in the competition.

Parkin inadvertently gifted Stokes a chance when he attempted to control a cross but flicked it into the substitute's path. Stokes reacted by swiftly hitting a half-volley that fortunately soared over the crossbar.

The visitors enjoyed better fortune in the 70th minute when another substitute, Lewis Cook, was more successful in his attempts to find the net.

Leeds' No.15 controlled Mowatt's cross before drilling the ball into the far corner of the net to bring United back into the tie.

Fortunately for the Reds, that goal was merely a consolation as Liverpool maintained a firm defence and struck in the closing seconds through Dunn to book their place in the quarter-finals.

No comments: