LFC Academy: McAuley delight in five-star show

Nov 13 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s were in fine scoring form on Saturday as they crushed Bolton Wanderers 5-2 at the Kirkby Academy.

Hugh McAuley’s side claimed a superb win thanks to two goals each from Nathan Eccleston and David Amoo and another from Marvin Pourie.

Liverpool took the lead on nine minutes when Eccleston fired in from Amoo’s cross before doubling their lead on 25 minutes as German forward Pourie beat his man and coolly slotted home.

The visitors reduced the arrears almost immediately with Topi Obadeyi firing in a 20-yard free-kick.

But seven minutes before the break Liverpool hit a third, whe Pourie forced his way through and Amoo netted. Eccleston scored his second on 65 minutes with a superb curled effort, before Bolton’s Kevin Wolfe’s cross deceived Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis to fly into the net.

In injury-time McAuley’s side made it 5-2 when Amoo pounced on a loose ball to score. Coach McAuley was delighted saying: “We played some great attacking football, but were a little bit careless on occasions.

“It is great to score five. We are creating chances, but we conceded two goals which I wasn’t happy with. That is something we will work on and do more on.”

Liverpool will look to carry on where they left off against leaders Manchester City at Kirkby this Saturday (kick-off 11am). City beat Crewe 3-0 on Saturday to stay top of the Premier Academy League North West division.

McAuley said: “It should be a good game. Games with Manchester City are always competitive and we are looking forward to it.

“This is a good test for us, but we are confident. We have decent footballers and confident players. It will be a tougher test than some we have had, but let’s hope we are up to it.”

Scottish attacking midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven is still out following a thigh injury, but may be in contention for a place soon. Michael Scott will join in full-time training next week following a cartilage operation, but will not be available for selection for around a month.

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Hansen; Irwin, Kennedy, Ayala, O’Connor; Amoo, Highdale, Ajdarevic, Bruna (Kacaniklic 65); Pourie (Collins 70), Eccleston. Subs: Awang, McDonald.