Liverpool Reserves were left to rue a host of missed opportunities as a late goal gave Manchester United a 1-1 draw in front of a packed crowd at the Victoria Stadium.
Jay Spearing's first-half effort had looked to have given the Reds a deserved victory but a header seven minutes from time by Kieran Lee ensured honours ended even in what was an entertaining Barclays Premier League North fixture.
The Reds dominated throughout the contest and could have wrapped up all three points before half-time, but a combination of wasteful finishing and fine goalkeeping from United stopper Ron-Robert Zieler restricted them to a 1-0 interval lead.
Ahead of the match Ablett chose to deploy a five-man midfield with both Spearing and Lucas Leiva given licence to join Jordy Brouwer who was operating as a lone striker.
It was a decision that seemed to pay dividends as the Reds enjoyed the majority of the possession.
After a cagey opening, in which United defender Richard Eckersley was lucky not to be booked for a wild challenge on Jordy Brouwer, Liverpool had the first notable opportunity of the match with Lucas' 25-yard free-kick forcing a smart save out of United keeper Ron-Robert Zieler.
It set the tone for the remainder of the half with Spanish defender San Jose missing a gilt-edged chance to give Liverpool the lead on 15 minutes when he guided Ray Putterill's left-wing corner over the bar from four yards out.
The visitors continued to play with authority and Sebastian Leto forced a fine save out of Zieler before the hosts came close to making Liverpool pay for their profligacy just after the half hour mark.
Michael Barnes powered down the left and his cut back created havoc in the Reds penalty area with three heroic blocks keeping United at bay.
It was the wake-up call the visitors needed and within five minutes they took the lead courtesy of a goal made in South America.
Leto's cross from the left found the Brazilian Lucas in the box and just as he looked set to be closed down he produced a smart back heel to tee up Spearing who drilled a low effort into the bottom right-hand corner.
United began the second period with a more attacking approach but it was Liverpool who once again created the better openings with Ray Putterill forcing a smart save from Zieler on 54 minutes.
Brouwer then went close to doubling the Reds lead before United struck with their first real opportunity of the half.
A cross from the left by substitute Danny Welbeck was met by Kieran Lee who directed a fine header beyond Charles Itandje, who had been a virtual spectator for much of the match.
Both sides then had chances to win it in a frantic finale but although sustitutes Ryan Crowther and Craig Lindfield both went close it was not meant to be for Gary Ablett and his side.
Teams: Manchester United Reserves: Zieler, Gray, Eckersley A, Eckersley R, Chester, Lee, Cleverley (Drinkwater 71), Hewson, Dong, Fagan (Welbeck 63), Barnes
Liverpool Reserves: Itandje, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Hobbs (captain), Spearing, Lucas, Plessis (Flynn 78), Brouwer (Lindfield 75), Putterill (Crowther 63), Leto
Referee: Mr O Langford
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Jay Spearing. An all-action display and a great goal. |
發表於 2007-10-12 10:09 AM
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