LIVERPOOL Reserves emerged from the North East with a hard-earned three points, as a 1-0 win at Sunderland sent Gary Ablett’s side five points clear at the top of the FA Premier Reserve League North last night.

Krisztian Nemeth’s seventh-minute goal was enough to secure the win, but it needed a spirited second-half defensive effort to keep the home side out.

Nemeth found the net with a cool lob after latching onto a long clearance by keeper Dave Martin.

Jordy Brouwer should have doubled the lead in the first half, but dragged a shot wide.

Nemeth and Ray Putterill went close after the break, but Martin had to make a brilliant double save to keep out Chandler, as Sunderland desperately pressed for an equaliser.

Ryan Crowther should have made the game safe in stoppage time when Putterill sent him through, but his shot was well saved by Sunderland keeper Trevor Carson.

SUNDERLAND RESERVES: Carson, Weir (Donaghue 60), Harte, Anderson, Chandler, Yves Mvoto, Richardson, Yorke (Hartley 83), Dowson, Stokes Dennehy.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Martin, Darby, Insua, Ayala, Huth, Plessis, Flynn, Spearing (Crowther 20), Brouwer (Bruna 80), Nemeth, Putterill.