[size=12pt]Cole impresses in Reds triumph[/size]
19th Jan 2011 - Latest News
Joe Cole produced an impressive 45 minute cameo as Liverpool Reserves' defence of the Lancashire Senior Cup got underway with a 1-0 success against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
The Reds No.10 was a surprise starter for the second-string's encounter in Hyde and played in a free role just off lone striker, Nikola Saric as John McMahon's men booked their place in the last four courtesy of Gerardo Bruna's cool finish just past the half hour mark.
The former Chelsea star showed some fine touches throughout a first period dominated by the Reds and gave watching manager, Kenny Dalglish food for thought ahead of Saturday's first-team clash at Wolves.
But it wasn't just Cole who shone for Liverpool.
The likes of Tom Ince, fresh from his loan spell at Notts County, and Dani Pacecho were also instrumental in all of the away side's best moves.
After an edgy opening in which City went close, Cole had the Reds' first chance of note when he cut inside and left two City defenders for dead before firing a shot just wide.
On 28 minutes a great move instigated by Ince saw Saric play in Cole on the edge of the box but despite a smart turn and finish from the No.10, his celebration was cut short by the sight of the referee's assistant's flag for offside.
The Reds had suddenly found their groove and two minutes later Saric sent Ince galloping in on goal but City stopper, David Gonzalez did well to advance off his line and clear the danger.
Pacheco then saw a long range effort from a quickly taken free-kick deflect just past the upright before McMahon's team finally got the reward their inventive attacking play deserved.
A great ball by Ince found Jack Robinson marauding down the left. The full-back cut a clever pass back into the path of Cole and although the 29-year-old's shot was well saved by Gonzalez, Bruna was on hand to coolly fire in the rebound.
As the half came to an end Liverpool continued to ask all of the questions and Bruna came close to doubling the lead when he was well thwarted by Gonzalez. The Argentine then had another chance on 44 minutes when he seized upon Cole's exquisite flick, but again Gonzalez denied him with a smart save.
At the interval McMahon replaced Cole with David Amoo while Emmanuel Mendy came on for the solid Danny Wilson.
However, it did little to alter the pattern of the game as Liverpool continued to control the proceedings.
Amoo broke into the box on the left hand side and fired in a shot that flew straight into the midriff of Gonzalez.
Then Ince tried an audacious long range lob that dropped just shy of the crossbar before City finally came close when Ball headed wide.
The hosts pushed for a leveller late on and John Guidetti perhaps had their best chance with a rasping 20-yard drive that Peter Gulacsi did well to push around the post.
However, Liverpool remained the stronger side and McMahon opted to give new signing Jason Banton a 12 minute run out as they eased to a well deserved win.
Man City Reserves: Gonzalez, Smith, McGivern, M Johnson (Kay 45), Wabara, Veseli, A Mancini, Tutte, Tchuimeni-Nimely (Ball 25), Guidetti, McDermott (Chantler 77). Unused subs: Karius, Roman.
Liverpool Reserves: Gulacsi, Flanagan, Robinson, Darby (c), Wilson (Mendy 45), Roberts, Pacheco, Bruna, Ince, Cole (Amoo 45 (Banton 78)), Saric. Unused subs: Bouzanis, Palsson.
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Tom Ince
