Reserves Win After Own-Goal Double

Liverpool Reserves remain top of the league after two own-goals helped them earn a superb 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday night.

Home defenders twice had their heads in their hands in the early moments amid torrential rain.

The Black Cats then struck back with a Dan Madden header just after the restart but John McMahon's side - who were without several influential names due to Europa League call-ups - did more than enough to earn their first away win of 2010-11.

The second stringers now have nine points from seven games and lead their five-team section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League.

It took the Reds just seven minutes to make their mark on the scoresheet after Sunderland goalkeeper scythed David Amoo near the corner flag. Suso took the resulting free-kick and saw it nodded back across goal by Victor Palsson before Michael Ngoo's toe-poke was diverted in by Robbie Weir.

Sunderland almost struck back with a lethal ball into the box by Liam Noble, but none of his teammates could make a connection.

A Nathan Luscombe drive down the right might have paid off after John Flanagan was beaten, but Dean Bouzanis made a smart save to keep his sheet blank.

Seconds later the 20-year-old was called into action again to stop a point-blank header from Jordan Cook.

Instead it was Liverpool who scored next on 19 minutes when a Palsson header ricocheted off Madden and into the net.

Substitute Nathan Wilson attempted to pull one back on 35 minutes with a side-footed effort which followed a slick move from the hosts. Bouzanis was again equal to it, though, with a superb diving save.

Shortly after that, the impressive Ngoo found himself some space 30 yards from goal before smashing a fierce effort narrowly over the bar. His tall physique, married to a classy touch, could undoubtedly earn him senior recognition in the coming years.

It was Sunderland who mustered the final chance of the first period when Luscombe forced another fine save from Liverpool's Australian goalkeeper with a smack from the edge of the area.

By the time the second half got under way, the North-East rain had abated, and it was the hosts who took advantage of the improved conditions.

Bouzanis was required to make another superb save from Wilson before Liam Noble nearly made a name for himself with a beautifully taken volley from outside the area. Steven Irwin deflected it wide only for Madden to power home with his head from the resulting corner on 50 minutes.

The visitors had yet to stamp their authority on the second period the way they did the first, though Suso - whose balls into the box created both Liverpool goals - fell narrowly shy of getting one himself with a curling free-kick on 63 minutes.

As the half went on, Liverpool again began to exert their authority, with Suso getting a lot of the ball in midfield and Ngoo perennially dangerous whenever possession came his way. At the back, Flanagan, Palsson, Jack Robinson and Chris Mavinga were all impressing, while Bouzanis showed why many of those who follow the reserves rate him highly.

The only slight slip from Bouzanis came with just over 10 minutes to go when he parried a cross into the path of David Healy, but he was smart in his reactions and the Northern Irishman was denied. Seconds later Mavinga stood firm with a brave block to help keep his side in front.

Matthew Fletcher and Healy both wasted great opportunities with time running out and Liverpool hung on for the win.