LFC Academy: Youngsters’ run ended by City

Nov 20 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s had no answer to Premier Academy League North West section leaders Manchester City at Kirkby on Saturday as they went down to a 3-0 defeat.

Hugh McAuley’s side saw an eight-match unbeaten run come to an end.

City went ahead after three minutes following a free-kick into the box that Liverpool failed to clear.

German striker Marvin Pourie had the chance to equalise with a header following a Mattone Awang cross, but he failed to take it. Then right on half-time against the run of play City added a second on the break.

In the second half City made it 3-0 from another set-piece with 20 minutes remaining to seal the points.

Coach McAuley said: “We probably had most of the possession in the first half, but it was one of those days where we couldn’t break them down. They were well organised defensively.

“They led after three minutes and it was disappointing to concede so early and it was a goal we could have defended better. But Marvin Pourie had a great chance to equalise. That can be the difference when you play these top teams. If you don’t take your chances you get punished and that is what happened.”

Liverpool will have two weeks to work on where they went wrong as there are no Academy League matches this weekend as the coaches and staff around the country have an in-service weekend.

McAuley’s side are next in action on Saturday, December 1 time when they travel to Manchester United.

McAuley said: “We will just have to get on with it now and hopefully put things right next time against United. We wanted to finish this part of the season before this break with a good result, but it wasn’t to be. But to be fair we have done all right so far. But there are always things to work on and improve. Hopefully as the season go on we will get even better.”

Meanwhile holders Liverpool have been drawn away as they begin their defence of the FA Youth Cup – a trophy they have won for the past two seasons. They will travel to face the winners of tomorrow’s second round tie between Wycombe Wanderers and Dagenham & Redbridge.

LIVERPOOL U18s: Hansen, Kennedy, Kelly, Awang, O’Connor, Amoo, Irwin, Ajdarevic, Kacaniklic (Collins), Ecclestone, Pourie. Subs: Flanagan, Dawson.