Everton Res 0 Liverpool Res 1 (Feb 16 2006)

[TLW]

Everton Res 0 LIVERPOOL RES 1

Report by Peter Schulz at Hague Avenue

Scorer(s) - Ramon Calliste Half Time - 0-0 Venue - Hague Avenue, Southport FC Date - Thu 16 Feb 2006 Star Man - Jack Hobbs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramon Calliste came off the bench and scored the only goal in the reserves’ fine mini derby win at Southport on Thursday. Daniel Agger got a knock and was brought off at half time with Hughie McAuley later allaying fears of a serious injury.

The reds lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Idrizaj in front of Guthrie. Further back were Peltier and Hobbs. Adam Hammill made a start on the left with Anderson on the other flank. In defence, Agger partnered Roque with Barragan on the right and James Smith on the left.

In the driving rain in Southport the reds had to battle their way to a deserved three points over their rivals. It was a highly contested game and challenges were flying in everywhere. Agger was brought down as early as the second minute as he was trying to bring the ball out of defence.

The reds struggled to settle initially and Everton were constantly looking to find their forward Hopkins in the channels or Anichebe in the air. Agger kept Anichebe very quiet, however.

Austrian forward/winger Besian Idrizaj had to receive treatment after 8 minutes of play and as he was unable to continue, Welshman Calliste was brought on to replace him.

A few minutes later it was Antonio Barragan’s turn to be off the pitch as he was challenged heavily by Anichebe. He came back on shortly afterwards, but was seen with ice on his knee after the final whistle.

We agreed this game would not finish with 22 players on the pitch.

The reds began to take control of proceedings and on 20 minutes Guthrie’s cross from the right just evaded Anderson in the box. A minute later Anderson brought the first save from Ingason in the Everton goal from a long range shot.

Republic of Ireland international Lee Carsley was booked after half an hour when he threw the ball to the ground when a freekick was awarded (rightly) to Liverpool.

Minutes later Everton had their best chance of the game. Poor positioning by Roque allowed Hopkins to slip in behind the rest of the defence and onto Anichebe’s through ball, but his finish was absolutely woeful and went 10 yards wide of Martin’s goal. The show was only from about 15 yards.

Liverpool’s right hand side was dominating the game and Anderson, Hobbs and Guthrie were very strong. Just before half time Paul Anderson’s corner found Guthrie on the edge of the box but his thunderbolt shot was deflected slightly and went half a yard wide.

Liverpool used the break to introduce Danny O’Donnell for Agger who had been limping about for the last 10-15 minutes of the first half. O’Donnell was quickly booked for not registering with the linesman or referee before the half started. They thought Agger was still playing until then.

Both defences were looking strong in the second half but the diminutive Everton winger John Paul Kissock (of which I’m told much is expected from regular blues reserve goers) weaved his way through the reds defence, but his shot was saved by Martin. The follow-up was then blocked well by O’Donnell.

On 70 minutes Harris was sent off for a bad foul on Adam Hammill, but I must admit I thought the straight red card was a little bit harsh. Lee Peltier was then booked for becoming involved in the scuffle immediately after.

Five minutes later the reds made the numerical advantage count. With the wind firmly in his back, David Martin launched a long kick upfield and it evaded the head of the Everton defender, bounced once before Calliste, who had quickly anticipated the chance, stole in and stabbed it past the keeper and into the far corner. It was no more than Liverpool deserved.

In the dying minutes Miki Roque had to come off with a hamstring problem. Robbie Foy had been getting ready to come on, but instead McAuley and Herrera were forced to bring on Antwi.

Then in the last minute Smith cleared the ball off the line after a corner and the reds held firm to gain a deserved win over Everton, who had won the first game between the two sides this season.

Overall it was a good performance, but star man could be no other than Jack Hobbs who was ever so solid in his defensive midfield role. He actually contributed a lot going forward as well and is developing very well at this time. He is captaining the side at only 17 and will be looking to push on from here.

Other notable performances came from Anderson and Peltier although to be fair everyone could be satisfied with their performances that night.


Team: Martin; Barragan, Roque (Antwi), Agger (O'Donnell), Smith; Anderson, Peltier, Hobbs, Hammill; Guthrie; Idrizaj (Calliste):