Liverpool u18 2 Sheff Wed u18 2 (Apr 1 2006)

[TLW]

LIVERPOOL U18 2 Sheff Wed U18 2

Report by Peter Schulz at the Academy

Scorer(s) - Ryan Wignall, Francis Smith Half Time - 1-0 Venue - The Academy Date - Sat 1 Apr 2006 Star Man - Francis Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Francis Smith stroked home a last minute penalty to salvage a point for Liverpool U18’syesterday, as they drew 2-2 at home to Sheffield Wednesday. Jay Spearing appeared as a second half substitute for his appearance in over six months after breaking his leg earlier in the season. It was the young reds’ first draw in 23 games and it leaves them fifth in Academy League Group C.

The game kicked off with Liverpool with the wind in their backs, and the reds were first to find their stride. The wind wasn’t as strong as on other occasions, but still influenced play. The visitors seemed to settle, however, as soon as they had come to terms with the conditions. The sun quickly came out in what must surely be a first at the academy this season.

The reds lined up with Michael Burns at left back and a central defensive partnership of Robbie Threlfall and Stephen Darby with Jordan Holmes in his usual right back position. The midfield saw Jimmy Ryan and Paul Barratt either side of Francis Smith and Ryan Flynn. Up front Ryan Wignall partnered topscorer Craig “Crouch” Lindfield. Dave Roberts was given the nod in goal ahead of Paul Lancaster.

Francis Smith was first to test Ben Kirby in the Wednesday goal on 18 minutes, and even though his long range shot was spilled, no one was close enough to pounce. Wednesday seemed to have taken control of the game, but then came the next opening for the reds.

Flynn latched onto a great through ball by Lindfield or Smith (I must admit I’m not entirely sure) and instead of taking on Kirby when clean through, he brilliantly passed it to his left and gave Wignall an easy tap into an empty goal.

This signalled a good spell from the reds who were playing some very neat one touch football at times. Wednesday weren’t out of it and the impressive Rickel White at right wing gave Burns something to think about all day.

On 39 minutes a long Dave Roberts kick found the head of Lindfield. His excellent flick-on gave Paul Barratt the opportunity to lift it over the keeper, which he did, but a defender cleared it off the goal line.

Coach John Owens made no changes at half time, understandably happy with what he had seen in the first half, but the reds made a shaky start to the second half with two good chances falling to left winger Dave McClements within the first 10 minutes. The first one was a free header, and the second was a corner which fell to his feet. He lashed it wide and was substituted shortly afterwards.

The reds were by no means out of it, and a good freekick from Michael Burns bounced ahead of a crowd of defenders, eluded them and hit Wignall on the knee and bounced agonisingly wide of Kirby’s goal. A goal here would surely have killed off the visitors.

With 20 minutes of the second half gone, came the moment a lot of the regular academy goers had waited a long time for. Jay Spearing made his comeback at right wing coming on instead of Jimmy Ryan. He got a generous round of applause (not just from his dad) and within minutes had had a shot blocked and had launched himself into a crunching challenge, winning his side a corner.

I was there when he broke his leg last year, it was my first game of the season, and everyone I talk to out there has said how much he has been missed throughout the season. A popular – and talented I might add – lad is young Jay.

The reds continued to look for the second and on 72 minutes Craig Lindfield saw his curling effort well saved by Kirby after Francis Smith had again won possession in midfield and fed his teammate.

John Owens then decided a change was needed and Jonathan Pringle was brought on in place of Ryan Wignall. Only two minutes later, with about 15 minutes to go, Wednesday were level. Dave Roberts’ poor kick found Wednesday’s number 16, whose name I can’t give you, as he didn’t appear on the team sheet and no report is available on Wednesday’s website.

His 35 yard effort looked to be covered by Roberts, but the ball deflected off Francis Smith leaving Roberts stranded. Three minutes later, James Brackenridge made the turnaround complete as he found the net following a corner. Sheffield Wednesday’s clear height advantage meant that they were always a threat from set pieces.

The reds didn’t deserve to lose this game and rallied in the last minutes. On the stroke of full time, Jonathan Pringle’s cross from the right hand side found Francis Smith who had made a late run, and his header was judged to have been handled on its way towards goal.

Smith was quick to pick up the ball and place it on the spot, and I’m sure he’ll want to forget how the ball went it, because the penalty wasn't exactly spectacularly good. He hit it hard in the middle, and it bounced off the keeper’s gloves and in off the post for a late, late equaliser. One which the reds thoroughly deserved.

On the whole, I thought Smith had a very good game in that midfield role which is his best. He’s an intelligent player and was on hand to break up a lot of Wednesday attacks whilst also being the instigator of many of our own. It remains to be seen whether or not his contract will be extended at the end of the season, but on this evidence, clubs shouldn’t be too hard to come by for the midfielder. I thought he played very well.

It was also good to see Paul Barratt continuing his good run of form and Ryan Flynn’s cameo appearances in the reserves of late seem to have spurred him on as well. He will be looking to make that next step up next season, if not before.

Next game at the academy is this Tuesday when the U18’s take on Nottingham Forest.


Team: Roberts; Holmes, Darby, Threlfall, Burns; Ryan (Spearing), Smith, Flynn, Barratt; Wignall (Pringle), Lindfield: