Liverpool u19 2 Everton u19 1 (Nov 4 2000)

[TLW]

LIVERPOOL U19 2 Everton U19 1

Report by Dave Usher at the Academy

Scorer(s) - John Welsh, Ian Armstrong Half Time - 0-0 Venue - The Academy Date - Sat 4 Nov 2000 Star Man - Steve Warnock

 

 

 

 

 

This game with the blueshite wasn't a great spectacle, as it was a typically frantic derby. Liverpool had the better of it, both in terms of possession and chances created, and were full value for their 2-1 win.

All the goals came in the second half, with the once again impressive John Welsh opening the scoring with a stunning drive after the ball fell to him in the box, before Ian Armstrong extended the lead with a neat finish after being sent through by Warnock's defence splitting pass.

The young blueshite pulled one back late on to set up a frantic finish, but despite a couple of late scares the reds held on for a deserved win.

Hugh McAuley made a couple of changes from the side that beat Crewe, with James Olsen replacing Brian McIlroy and Neil Mellor coming in for the injured Foley. This meant Chris Thompson switching to the right, with Olsen on the left, and Mellor partnering Armstrong up front with the versatile Miles dropping into midfield.

Foley's presence was missed, as the reds weren't quite as dominant in midfield as they were against Crewe, and they changed it at half time with Steve Torpey coming on for the disappointing Mellor. Torpey went to the left wing, and had a lively second half, with Olsen moving inside and Miles pushing up alongside Armstrong.

The reds top performers on the day were the outstanding Warnock, tenacious midfielder Welsh and classy centre back Otsemobor. Warnock almost scored with a thunderous left footed volley after a corner was cleared to him on the edge of the box, but it was headed off the goal-line by a bluenose defender. This lad really does look useful, and he's still not fully fit yet. I'd like to see him in the reserves to see how he does, and I've got high hope for this boy.

Chris O'Brien had a decent game at the back as well. He offers an assured presence and never stops talking to his colleagues, and it's easy to see why he is skipper. Welsh was again in good form, and took his goal really well, as did Armstrong. It must have been a big relief for Army? to finally get off the mark this season, and hopefully it will be the first of many.

Obviously there are no guarantees, but I'd expect quite a few of these lads to be knocking on the first team door over the next couple of years. As many as five or six of these lads look to have a good chance of making it, but we'll just have to wait and see.

TEAM: Peter Crookes; Paul Culshaw, Jon Otsemobor, Chris O'Brien, Steve Warnock; Chris Thompson, John Miles, John Welsh, Jamie Olsen; Ian Armstrong, Neil Mellor (Steve Torpey):



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