Middlesbrough reserves 1, Liverpool reserves 1

Sep 5 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

RAY PUTTERILL’S second half penalty gave Liverpool a share of the spoils at the Riverside in the FA Premier Reserve League North.

Gary Ablett’s side included summer signings Lucas Leiva, Sebastian Leto and Charles Itandje.

Leto was a constant threat on the left wing and went close to scoring several times, while Brazil international Lucas showed plenty of quality in midfield.

Keeper Itandje was a spectator for large parts of the game, but showed his class late on when he made an outstanding save to preserve a point.

Earlier, Itandje had helplessly looked on as Boro striker Tom Craddock blatantly punched a cross from Gaizka Mendieta into the net with ten minutes gone. The keeper could barely contain his disbelief when the referee signalled for a goal.

Liverpool rallied well and Leto and Jordy Brouwer both should have done better with chances before the break.

The Reds dominated the second half with Lucas, Emiliano Insua and Mikel San Jose all going close but they only had one goal to show for their efforts.

Substitute Putterill stroked home a penalty after 76 minutes following a handball.

LIVERPOOL RES: Itandje, Darby, Insua, Hobbs, San Jose, Spearing, Crowther (Flynn 45), Lucas (Plessis 82), Lindfield, Brouwer (Putterill 64), Leto.