Borrell Joy As Reds Sink Blues

Liverpool Reserves secured their first win of the pre-season courtesy of a 3-0 triumph over Birmingham City at the Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

A first-half brace from Nathan Eccleston and a clinical spot-kick from Suso did the damage as Rodolfo Borrell's side produced an impressive showing.

The manner of the success left the second-string coach satisfied with another good work out as his squad continues to make progress in the lead up to the new campaign.

Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a step forward for us in our pre-season.

"We played well, especially in the first half, and overall I am happy.

"We arranged this type of game as part of our pre-season program as we want to be tested.

"Birmingham are a big, physical side and we had to earn the right to play our football.

"We managed to do that and I am happy to get the win. Obviously we need to keep improving but we've only been back three weeks and I think we are on schedule in our preparations."

Asked about Eccleston's contribution, the Spaniard added: "I thought Nathan (Eccleston) did well for his goals and he showed great hunger and desire to work for the ball.

"But that can be said all of the lads. We worked hard throughout and we will now look ahead to our next test against the first-team of Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday. They are a League One side who will be just five days away from their first competitive match so it will be a big game for us."

On an afternoon of brilliant sunshine in Kirkby, the Reds dominated the early stages and took the lead on 20 minutes when Eccleston cut inside from the right before curling a delightful left-foot strike into the top corner.

The visitors were struggling to cope with the inventive approach play of the Liverpool youngsters and five minutes later they found themselves two down when Suso showed good composure to outwit veteran stopper, Maik Taylor with a cool penalty after Eccleston had been fouled in the area.

The hosts were clearly well on top and they sealed the win in first-half stoppage time when a sublime run and pass from Krisztian Adorjan provided Eccleston with an opportunity to calmly stroke home the third.

Suso, Raheem Sterling and David Amoo all went close to extending the lead following the interval but it wasn't to be as the Reds cantered to a well-deserved success.