LIVERPOOL Reserves started the new season by being held to a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League yesterday afternoon.
The game was switched from Prenton Park to an afternoon clash at the Academy.
Reserve coach John McMahon was without Andre Wisdom, Jonjo Shelvey and Michael Ngoo, who are all on international duty with England’s youth teams.
While Tom Ince and Daniel Ayala were out injured and Spaniard starlet Suso hadn’t received international clearance to play.
But Jay Spearing and Dani Pacheco both played well.
Liverpool went close when from Pacheco’s corner European U19 Championship winner Chris Mavinga heading wide.
From another Pacheco delivery David Amoo was also off target with a header.
The Spaniard was again involved but the experienced Mike Pollitt saved his curling free-kick.
At the other end Callum McManaman shot was spilled by Liverpool keeper Martin Hansen but Steve Irwin did well to clear the loose ball off the line.
Liverpool suffered a blow two minutes before the break when Nikola Saric was carried off on a stretcher after a strong challenge from former Liverpool youngster Jordan Mustoe.
But the home side were glad to see Wigan full-back Adam Buxton’s free-kick come back off the bar right on half-time.
Pacheco continued to probe but he couldn’t make the breakthrough for Liverpool after the break, while substitute Alex Cooper also fired over.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Hansen, Flanagan, Robinson, Irwin, Mavinga, Darby, Amoo (Mendy 65), Spearing, Saric (Cooper 43), Pacheco, Eccleston (Palsson 79). Subs: Bouzanis, Roberts.
