Liverpool Res 3 Wigan Res 0 - Lancs Senior Cup (Apr 17 2008)

[TLW]

LIVERPOOL RES 3 Wigan Res 0

Report by Dave Usher at the Academy

Scorer(s) Gerardo Bruna, Craig Lindfield, Jordy Brouwer Half Time – 2-0 Venue – Liverpool Academy, Kirkby Date - Thu 17 April 2008 Star Man – Dani Pacheco

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerardo Bruna’s excellent free-kick was the highlight of Liverpool reserves’ 3-0 win over Wigan Athletic at the Academy in the Lancashire Senior Cup 2nd round yesterday afternoon. In a game played in very strong winds, Liverpool overcame a slow start to produce some excellent football and were full value for the win. Craig Lindfield and Jordy Brouwer bagged the other goals.

Gary Ablett used the game to experiment with the use of the 4-2-3-1 system that has served the first team so well of late. Usually the reserves play 4-4-2, although they have occasionally played 4-4-1-1 with Jay Spearing in an advanced role behind the striker. Spearing was left on the bench for this game, along with Plessis and Insua, possibly with the seniors game at Fulham in mind? Krisztian Nemeth was also missing, along with his compatriots Peter Gulacsi and Andras Simon. Presumably they are on international duty.

Ablett handed a rare start to Martin Hansen in goal, whilst regular right back Stephen Darby switched to the other flank in the absence of Insua. Martin Kelly was right back, with Ayala and Huth in the middle. The midfield two were Mikel San Jose and Ryan Flynn, with Dani Pacheco in the ‘Gerrard role’ and Lindfield and Bruna either side of Brouwer.

In fairness, the first forty minutes of this game was dire. The wind had an effect, but it wasn’t the sole reason for the lacklustre showing. The reds had been dreadful on Monday night when they overcame Prescot after extra time, and they carried on that form into this game.

The exception early on was Bruna, who looked lively and was involved a lot more than I have seen him in any game previously. Pacheco was showing some nice touches, but was also giving the ball away a lot. Brouwer wasn’t really involved, and Lindfield never really looked happy on the right.

Defensively Liverpool were untroubled, as an inexperienced Wigan had nothing to offer really. Nevertheless, a couple of times they almost got in due to some complacency in the Liverpool backline, most notably from Huth who was caught in possession once or twice. The big lad has had a fantastic season though, so he’s entitled to the odd lapse now and again.

The reds had only created one chance of note prior to them taking the lead, that was when Pacheco shot wide after good set up play from Browuer and Bruna. Too often though the final ball into the box was lacking.

The opening goal arrived shortly before half time, when Bruna’s run infield was halted by an illegal challenge. Both he and Pacheco stood over the free-kick, with the right footed Spaniard probably the most likely taker given that the free-kick was on the left edge of the box. It as his Argentine team-mate that stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner. The keeper got a good hand to it and probably should have kept it out, but there was a strong wind at Bruna’s back so perhaps I’m being a bit harsh. There can be no doubting the quality of the strike however.

It was harsh on Wigan, who’d not really been under any sustained pressure throughout. Things got worse almost immediately. Bruna found space in the middle and unleashed a shot from 30 yards that was headed for the bottom corner until the keeper turned it round the post at full stretch. From the corner, Wigan made a mess of clearing it, the ball fell to Lindfield 12 yards out on the volley, and he drilled the ball through a ruck of players into the net.

2-0 flattered Liverpool at half time, but the second half they took control completely and played very well. Bruna continued to show some nice touches, whilst Pacheco really came into the game more and was a joy to watch at times. The introduction of Jay Spearing in midfield for San Jose at half time gave the side an added dimension in attack, whilst Ablett also gave u18 star Steve Irwin a run out at left back as Darby was given a well earned rest. Irwin settled in well, despite not being a natural left back.

Spearing had been doing a bit of shooting practice at half time with the other subs, and he wasn’t exactly impressive. He looked like he was playing in someone else’s boots! Three minutes into the second half however, he got a shooting opportunity and stung the keeper’s hands from 20 yards with a fine effort.

Liverpool were looking threatening now, and were moving the ball about very well. Some nice play from Pacheco sent Lindfield in, and although he went round the keeper the angle became too tight so he couldn’t shoot. ‘Speo’ had charged into the box and was screaming for the ball, Lindfield spotted him and tried to pick him out but a defender got back well to nip in and clear the danger.

Flynn and Spearing were keeping the ball moving well in midfield and Wigan were struggling to stay in the game. A stunning through ball from Spearing completely ripped open their back four and put Pacheco in. He could have gone himself, but instead opted to try and square the ball to Lindfield. A defender managed to get in the way and the chance was gone.

Some more good interplay saw Bruna cut through the Wigan defence and pick out Brouwer in the box. He couldn’t get himself into a shooting position under pressure from his marker, but he did manage to toe poke the ball back into the path of Bruna, who dragged his shot wide.

Brouwer had not had much joy around the box, but the one clear chance that came his way he took very well. A ball over the top wasn’t dealt with, the defender heading the ball into the Dutch forward’s path. He took it on his chest and carried it into the box, and when the keeper came out he drilled a low left foot shot under him into the net. Good finish.

He was brought off almost immediately, with Plessis his replacement. That meant a switch back to 4-4-2, with Lindfield moving up front with Pacheco, and Flynn and Bruna occupying the wings. Pacheco was enjoying himself now and seeing a lot of the ball. Some nice play from him got the ball to Spearing, who’d strong run and well struck shot brought a very good stop from the keeper.

Spearing then linked up nicely with Flynn, who got to the byline and put in a perfect cross to the back post where Pacheco was steaming in. He got to the ball and planted a header goalwards from close range, but it crashed against the post and rebounded clear.

Pacheco then fed Lindfield, who’s first touch and turn were sublime. He got his shot away, but again the keeper made a fine stop. Wigan’s keeper kept the score down, as Liverpool could easily have added another three or four in the second half.

Star man was between Pacheco and Bruna, although I’d also say Martin Kelly was impressive at right back and Flynn worked hard and was neat and tidy. Bruna was the star of the first half, but Pacheco did more in the second half and I’ll go for him I think. The two of them seem to be developing a nice little understanding on the field, and there was one piece of interplay between them on the left touchline that was brilliant.

They are both still very young and more than a little lightweight (especially Bruna), but they are talented and hopefully they will continue to progress together and maybe both eventually progress to the first team. It’s a long way off though, and hopefully there won’t be to much expected of them too soon.

Next season should see them start more games for the reserves, although Gary Ablett already has a big squad and with all the loanees due to come back it could get even bigger. Competition for places is as fierce at reserve level as it is in the first team now. Some of the lads will have to go out on loan, others will leave permanently, some will stay in the reserve squad and hopefully a couple will move up to the first team squad. I don’t envy those making the decisions, as there are a lot of talented players in this group.

For exclusive photo's from this game, click here

Team: Hansen; Kelly, Ayala, Huth, Darby (Irwin); Flynn, San Jose (Spearing); Lindfield, Pacheco, Bruna; Brouwer (Plessis):