THREE goals in extra-time booked Liverpool Reserves’ place in the Liverpool Senior Cup final against a valiant Southport side.

Close-range strikes from Ryan Crowther and then Daniel Pacheco in the first half followed by Jay Spearing’s neat one-on-one finish secured Liverpool’s win against Port as injury forced the Haig Avenue outfit to field only 10 men after the 90 minutes were up.

Against a blend of youth and experience, Liverpool’s full-time status told in the extra 30 minutes as Southport began to tire with a one-man disadvantage.

Liverpool Reserves will now face Liverpool County Premier side Waterloo Dock in the final.

Though level at the break, it was Southport who made the more significant inroads during the first 45 minutes.

Matty McGinn missed with a free header from inside the box.

The closest the Sandgrounders came to capitalising on their dominance was on 23 minutes when McGinn’s long throw was flicked on by Chris Lever and the ball bounced over Martin Hansen before crashing back off the bar.

With minutes remaining in the half Spearing, one of a number in Liverpool’s line-up with first-team experience, fluffed his side’s best chance, spurning an opening from 15 yards.

Liverpool emerged for the second period with more purpose and attacking intent and with the wind now in their favour pressured Port.

Spearing tested Drench from distance before Damien Plessis unleashed a vicious drive that stung the goalkeeper’s palms.

Drench again had to be at this best to palm away Krisztian Nemeth’s curling effort.

With Southport down to 10 men due to Robbie Booth’s injury Crowther scored the opener on 95 minutes, sliding in ahead of Jack Thornton before Pacheco exploited space in the home area to score the second.

Spearing ran clear to neatly chip in Liverpool’s third.