Wolves Res 0 Liverpool Res 1 (24 Jan 2006)

[TLW]

Wolves Res 0 LIVERPOOL RES 1

Report by Peter Schulz at Telford United FC

Scorer(s) - Didi Hamann Half Time - 0-0 Venue - Bucks Head Stadium, Telford FC Date - Tue 24 Jan 2006 Star Man - Didi Hamann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

£5.8m signing Daniel Agger made a very promising Liverpool debut on Tuesday night as the reds reserves cruised to a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton following Didi Hamann’s wonderful strike from 10 yards inside his own half. Rafael Benitez, sitting with Rick Parry only 10 yards away from the TLW duo, will have been pleased to see him have no trouble at all handling Viorel Ganea, the man famously winning the penalty that sent England crashing out of Euro 2000.

21-year-old Agger, coming on at half time for Djimi Traore, showed good skill on the ball, and his passes were excellent throughout. He was even unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself after a raid up field which ended in him firing over after having collected Sinama-Pongolle’s delicious pass.

The attendance at the New Bucks Head Stadium was 1,200 and at least a few of them were very pleased with the treatment and hospitality given by Telford United. Arriving early, we were escorted to the Smith suite from where we could choose (if we wanted) to watch the match from behind the glass, or make our way outside to the real football fans. Naturally, we chose to watch the game from outside. Well, one of us did (hint: the Scandinavian). Also, we were treated with internet access, and Sky TV enabling us to actually follow Neil Mellor and Wigan’s progress behind us. All in all I must say Telford United are now my favourite Conference side. Thank you.

The reds fielded a very strong line up, as Benitez looked to improve the fitness of a few players on the fringe of the first team. David Raven made a start, perhaps his last, as a centre back alongside Djimi Traore, they had Warnock and Kromkamp either side of them. In midfield it was nice to see Darren Potter back, this time partnered by Didi Hamann. On the flanks were Guthrie (left) and Anderson (right). Up front, Ramon Calliste and Florent Sinama-Pongolle had been given the nod.

Liverpool looked in total control in midfield with Potter and Hamann running the show, and Wolves were restricted to very little going forward. Hamann was involved in a couple of early chances. He played in Pongolle who missed badly and Potter’s shot went wide after a square pass from the German.

On the right, Paul Anderson looked very lively and he was up and down the wing on numerous occasions even covering for the more experienced Kromkamp on a few occasions. He also had three decent efforts on goal and generally looked very good. It was definitely Anderson’s best half for the reds so far.

The last chance of the half fell to Ramon Calliste, whose header went wide after great work on the right by Kromkamp and Anderson.

It seemed only a matter of time before the first reds goal would come, but the teams went in goalless at half time. McAuley and Herrera made the one change at half time bringing on the Danish international in place of Traore who hadn’t done much wrong it has to be said. Within three minutes of coming on, Agger saw his shot whistle over the bar after an exciting run in which he played a couple of one two's on his way forward.

On 55 minutes Ramon Calliste had the chance of the match as Potter caused havoc down the right hand side. His inviting cross simply needed the gentlest of touches but the Welshman miscontrolled it completely and the chance went begging.

Only a few minutes later, Hamann started to make his presence felt in front of the Wolves goal and his 25 yard effort dipped only for Matt Murray to tip it over. The following corner went to the near post where Agger had snuck in, but his glancing header went wide of the far post. It simply wasn’t to be.

On 64 minutes, however, Wolves could no longer resist Liverpool’s pressure and Didi Hamann fired in a shot from the edge of the centre circle inside his own half. Keeper Murray was badly positioned and it somehow went in, much to the delight of the cool German and his team mates. It was only what they deserved, and especially Hamann, who was simply too good for this level. Although having said that, long may this kind of team performance continue at reserve level!

A few minutes later, Potter made way for Jack Hobbs who slotted in nicely. He’ll have learnt a lot from playing alongside Hamann.

Chances kept coming for the reds but Murray made some excellent saves to deny Pongolle and Anderson among others. In the end the reds had to settle for the 1-0 win, but it was a brilliant performance all round. The youngsters seemed to have been lifted by the presence of some older heads around them.

At the back, Agger looked very composed and comfortable on the ball. His passing was crisp and he didn’t show any kind of nervousness. Only Rafa knows whether or not he’s ready for his first team debut. He’ll get it soon enough on this showing. In midfield, Potter and Anderson were excellent, in the first half especially, and in the second half Sinama-Pongolle’s class shone through.

It was, however, no surprise to see that the oldest Liverpool player on show, Didi Hamann was the pick of the bunch. He strolled around the pitch all night making crucial interventions and telling passes. I don’t think he broke sweat yet he was still everywhere. Surely, his time as a first team player has not yet come to an end?


Team: Martin; Kromkamp, Raven, Traore (Agger), Warnock; Anderson, Hamann, Potter (Hobbs), Guthrie (Idrizaj); Sinama-Pongolle, Calliste: