Moroccan starlet Nabil El Zhar scored a fine goal but it was to be in vain as Liverpool Reserves let a lead slip as they lost 3-1 at Manchester City on Monday night.
Gary Ablett fielded a young side including Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer, Argentine pair Gabriel Paletta and Emiliano Insua, Italian goalkeeper Daniele Padelli and Paraguayan centre half Ronald Huth. Trialist Reneil Sappleton was on the bench and the young striker came on for the final 13 minutes of the game.
Jack Hobbs captained the team and played in a midfield holding role just in front of the back four. City also fielded a young team plus senior first team squad regulars goalkeeper Nicky Weaver and Stephen Jordan.
Liverpool dominated the first half and played some good attacking football. El Zhar gave the Reds the lead after 14 minutes with a great finish after a superb pass from Hobbs gave him the opportunity.
Paul Anderson had some lively moments in the first half for Liverpool on the right wing and twice came close to scoring in the opening 45 minutes when he hit two powerful low shots just off target.
Robbie Threlfall worked hard on the left flank and was denied a goal after 21 minutes when his curled free-kick was well kept out by Weaver.
Brouwer came close to his first goal after 42 minutes when he shot just wide after excellent approach play.
Liverpool weren't as effective in the second half as they were in the first and were soon made to pay for some **** defensive work. City equalised in the 52nd minute when Ched Evans was left totally unmarked in the Liverpool penalty area as he met a cross to send a looping header past Padelli and into the net.
Two minutes later a superb pass from Brouwer set up a chance for Ryan Flynn but his effort brought a ****ing quality save from Weaver.
Padelli then made a couple of excellent saves before City grabbed their winning goal in the 76th minute. Paul Marshall raced past Stephen Darby down the left flank before his cross was met by Marc Laird who found the net.
City made sure of the three points in stoppage time when substitute Adam Clayton netted from close range. It was a dramatic impact from Clayton who had only been on the field for about 30 secons.
Manchester City Reserves: Weaver, Logan, Williamson (Obeng 18), Jordan, D'Laryea, Laird, Abdoun, Williams (Evans 45, Clayton 90), Sturridge, Miller, Marshall.
Liverpool Reserves: Padelli, Darby, Insua, Huth, Paletta, Hobbs, Anderson, Flynn, Brouwer (Sappleton 77), El Zhar, Threlfall (Putterill 82). Subs' not used: Spearing, Roberts (GK), Barnett.
Referee: S Procter-Green.
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Nabil El Zhar. Took his goal really well and tried hard to make things happen
Gary Ablett fielded a young side including Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer, Argentine pair Gabriel Paletta and Emiliano Insua, Italian goalkeeper Daniele Padelli and Paraguayan centre half Ronald Huth. Trialist Reneil Sappleton was on the bench and the young striker came on for the final 13 minutes of the game.
Jack Hobbs captained the team and played in a midfield holding role just in front of the back four. City also fielded a young team plus senior first team squad regulars goalkeeper Nicky Weaver and Stephen Jordan.
Liverpool dominated the first half and played some good attacking football. El Zhar gave the Reds the lead after 14 minutes with a great finish after a superb pass from Hobbs gave him the opportunity.
Paul Anderson had some lively moments in the first half for Liverpool on the right wing and twice came close to scoring in the opening 45 minutes when he hit two powerful low shots just off target.
Robbie Threlfall worked hard on the left flank and was denied a goal after 21 minutes when his curled free-kick was well kept out by Weaver.
Brouwer came close to his first goal after 42 minutes when he shot just wide after excellent approach play.
Liverpool weren't as effective in the second half as they were in the first and were soon made to pay for some **** defensive work. City equalised in the 52nd minute when Ched Evans was left totally unmarked in the Liverpool penalty area as he met a cross to send a looping header past Padelli and into the net.
Two minutes later a superb pass from Brouwer set up a chance for Ryan Flynn but his effort brought a ****ing quality save from Weaver.
Padelli then made a couple of excellent saves before City grabbed their winning goal in the 76th minute. Paul Marshall raced past Stephen Darby down the left flank before his cross was met by Marc Laird who found the net.
City made sure of the three points in stoppage time when substitute Adam Clayton netted from close range. It was a dramatic impact from Clayton who had only been on the field for about 30 secons.
Manchester City Reserves: Weaver, Logan, Williamson (Obeng 18), Jordan, D'Laryea, Laird, Abdoun, Williams (Evans 45, Clayton 90), Sturridge, Miller, Marshall.
Liverpool Reserves: Padelli, Darby, Insua, Huth, Paletta, Hobbs, Anderson, Flynn, Brouwer (Sappleton 77), El Zhar, Threlfall (Putterill 82). Subs' not used: Spearing, Roberts (GK), Barnett.
Referee: S Procter-Green.
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Nabil El Zhar. Took his goal really well and tried hard to make things happen
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