Liverpool FC Forum

J*o*n*D*o*e wrote:Game finished 1.0 so well done to the lads.

Liverpool Reserves kicked off the defence of their Barclays Premier Reserve League North crown in style after edging to a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough.
Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer was the visitors' match winner, nodding in the only goal of the contest midway through the first-half to ensure Gary Ablett's treble-winning outfit picked up three richly deserved points.

After a sluggish start from both sides the Reds slowly started to take control, although they didn't have their first effort of any note until the 17th minute when Gerardo Bruna's speculative 25-yard strike was deflected wide of Jason Steele's right-hand post.

It proved to be the catalyst for a sustained period of Liverpool pressure and after Brouwer had seen his tame header cleared off the line, the Dutchman made amends three minutes later when he pounced to give the visitors the lead.

Daniel Pacheco created space for himself on the right before delivering a superb ball into the box for Brouwer, who touched home at the second attempt after his initial header had come crashing back off the crossbar.

At this point it looked like being business as usual for Gary Ablett's men and they could have doubled their advantage just seconds later but Pacheco saw his low strike bounce back off the post after he had brilliantly weaved his way into the home side's penalty area.

The Reds continued to dominate throughout the remainder of the first period but despite a wayward effort from Mikel San Jose and a goal from skipper Stephen Darby that was dubiously ruled out for offside, they could not extend their lead.

Indeed, they will have trudged in at the interval feeling that they should have been well clear of a Boro' side that didn't have their first shot on goal until 42 minutes when Nathan Porritt's 30-yard free-kick was comfortably held by Peter Gulacsi.

The big Hungarian, who only sealed a permanent move to Liverpool on Monday, had been something of a spectator in the first 45, but he was far busier in the second and twice denied Jonathan Franks as the hosts began to turn the screw.

The torrential weather conditions did little to help the Reds either and despite giving a second-half run out to Swiss international Philipp Degen - who made a quiet but effective return to action - they struggled to recapture the authority that saw them dominate the early exchanges.

Substitute Andras Simon had a great opportunity to ease the nerves and put the result beyond doubt on 70 minutes but he saw his fierce drive well blocked by Jason Steele after the Boro' keeper had gifted the ball to the Hungarian with a weak kick.

As the match entered its dying embers it looked more and more likely that the home side would get back into it, but it wasn't to be and the rearguard that served Gary Ablett so well last season held firm to ensure they got the 08-09 campaign off to a winning start.


maybe we should think about setting up a thread to follow the reserves league campaign.

Cheers jon, nice one.

NANNY RED wrote:The Ressies are on against ManCity there gettin beat 1-0

Bloody hell what a great goal by El Zar 1-1

An would you believe it as i write this City have just scored 1-2

NANNY RED wrote:How did the Ressies get on tonight against Newcastle i just rememberd they were playin

Rush Job wrote:We dont look like retaining the ressie title then?

NANNY RED wrote:

Rush Job wrote:We dont look like retaining the ressie title then?

I dont know whats the matter with them this season they dont look the same side at all that played some outstanding football last year. This season though i have made me mind up that (an i know this might be controversial) but Spearing will not make it as a first teamer . I really used to like the lad but hes not progressed at all imo.

I dont know wether Abblett is being left to his own devices on the team or theres interference from somewhere but they look a shadow of what they were last year

Rush Job wrote:Is nemeth back playing like? Hows he doing?

roberto green wrote:

Rush Job wrote:Is nemeth back playing like? Hows he doing?

He has been out injure untill tne Newcastle game so if anyone was wondering why he didn't play in the CC against Spurs thats why but i thing he is one of only a few who could make the grade.