[/quote]ADAM MORGAN continued his prolific scoring run as Liverpool Under-18s avenged their FA Youth Cup defeat with a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Carrington.
The 16-year-old striker netted for the 10th successive match to take his season tally to 16.
Adam Morgan scored as Liverpool Reserves kept their title chances alive with a 1-0 win over Bolton at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon.
The 16-year-old fired his 17th goal in 12 games to close the gap on leaders Blackburn to four points.
The Reds have two games remaining in their section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North - while Rovers have completed all their fixtures.
The winners of each section nationwide will then fight for the overall title of champions.
Injuries and international call-ups meant Pep Segura named three reserve debutants as he sought his first win since taking the reins: Tyrell Belford, Krisztian Adorjan and Morgan.
The latter went into the game having scored in 11 consecutive U18s matches and displayed all his self-belief with a snapshot on target after five minutes.
Bolton responded and Andre Wisdom did well with a timely clearance as Michael O'Halloran prowled.
A superb corner delivered by Steven Irwin then caused problems at the other end, with Alex McQuade almost heading into his own net.
Liverpool should have taken the lead on 28 minutes when Suso found Adorjan in the box. The Hungarian returned the favour with an intelligent ball into Suso's run, but the Spanish prodigy was denied by a decent stop from Jay Lynch.
Belford wasn't being given much to do in the other goal but a fingertip save was required after a cross-cum-shot from Adam Blakeman.
Some sweet football produced another chance for Morgan as half-time loomed but his connection with Irwin's cross proved wayward.
Not to worry. The goal arrived on 41 minutes when Toni Silva left two Bolton defenders on their backsides before cutting back to leave Morgan with an easy sidefoot into the net.
There was bad news for Segura in what was turning out to be a tepid second half when Adorjan departed the field holding his thigh, giving Craig Roddan the opportunity to impress.
The half was 20 minutes old before either side managed a shot of note, Silva dancing into enough space to drill low towards Lynch - but the 'keeper didn't break sweat.
The excellent Michael Roberts displayed great technique with a 20-yard smack which shook the crossbar.
Segura was forced into another change on 74 minutes when Wisdom hobbled from the turf to be replaced by Stephen Sama.
It didn't knock Liverpool off balance, though, and it could have been 2-0 when a low ball was delivered into the box and landed at the feet of Matty Regan, who unfortunately applied a centre-back's finish.
Suso exhibited his technical ability to create an excellent opportunity for Morgan but the in-form striker was thwarted by a flailing leg from the goalkeeper.
Topi Obadeyi attempted to secure an equaliser in injury-time but Belford was once again aware.
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Michael Roberts
[/quote]Adam Morgan scored as Liverpool Reserves kept their title chances alive with a 1-0 win over Bolton at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon.
The 16-year-old fired his 17th goal in 12 games to close the gap on leaders Blackburn to four points.
The Reds have two games remaining in their section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North - while Rovers have completed all their fixtures.
The winners of each section nationwide will then fight for the overall title of champions.
Injuries and international call-ups meant Pep Segura named three reserve debutants as he sought his first win since taking the reins: Tyrell Belford, Krisztian Adorjan and Morgan.
The latter went into the game having scored in 11 consecutive U18s matches and displayed all his self-belief with a snapshot on target after five minutes.
Bolton responded and Andre Wisdom did well with a timely clearance as Michael O'Halloran prowled.
A superb corner delivered by Steven Irwin then caused problems at the other end, with Alex McQuade almost heading into his own net.
Liverpool should have taken the lead on 28 minutes when Suso found Adorjan in the box. The Hungarian returned the favour with an intelligent ball into Suso's run, but the Spanish prodigy was denied by a decent stop from Jay Lynch.
Belford wasn't being given much to do in the other goal but a fingertip save was required after a cross-cum-shot from Adam Blakeman.
Some sweet football produced another chance for Morgan as half-time loomed but his connection with Irwin's cross proved wayward.
Not to worry. The goal arrived on 41 minutes when Toni Silva left two Bolton defenders on their backsides before cutting back to leave Morgan with an easy sidefoot into the net.
There was bad news for Segura in what was turning out to be a tepid second half when Adorjan departed the field holding his thigh, giving Craig Roddan the opportunity to impress.
The half was 20 minutes old before either side managed a shot of note, Silva dancing into enough space to drill low towards Lynch - but the 'keeper didn't break sweat.
The excellent Michael Roberts displayed great technique with a 20-yard smack which shook the crossbar.
Segura was forced into another change on 74 minutes when Wisdom hobbled from the turf to be replaced by Stephen Sama.
It didn't knock Liverpool off balance, though, and it could have been 2-0 when a low ball was delivered into the box and landed at the feet of Matty Regan, who unfortunately applied a centre-back's finish.
Suso exhibited his technical ability to create an excellent opportunity for Morgan but the in-form striker was thwarted by a flailing leg from the goalkeeper.
Topi Obadeyi attempted to secure an equaliser in injury-time but Belford was once again aware.
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Michael Roberts
[/quote]Adam Morgan scored as Liverpool Reserves kept their title chances alive with a 1-0 win over Bolton at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon.
The 16-year-old fired his 17th goal in 12 games to close the gap on leaders Blackburn to four points.
The Reds have two games remaining in their section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North - while Rovers have completed all their fixtures.
The winners of each section nationwide will then fight for the overall title of champions.
Injuries and international call-ups meant Pep Segura named three reserve debutants as he sought his first win since taking the reins: Tyrell Belford, Krisztian Adorjan and Morgan.
The latter went into the game having scored in 11 consecutive U18s matches and displayed all his self-belief with a snapshot on target after five minutes.
Bolton responded and Andre Wisdom did well with a timely clearance as Michael O'Halloran prowled.
A superb corner delivered by Steven Irwin then caused problems at the other end, with Alex McQuade almost heading into his own net.
Liverpool should have taken the lead on 28 minutes when Suso found Adorjan in the box. The Hungarian returned the favour with an intelligent ball into Suso's run, but the Spanish prodigy was denied by a decent stop from Jay Lynch.
Belford wasn't being given much to do in the other goal but a fingertip save was required after a cross-cum-shot from Adam Blakeman.
Some sweet football produced another chance for Morgan as half-time loomed but his connection with Irwin's cross proved wayward.
Not to worry. The goal arrived on 41 minutes when Toni Silva left two Bolton defenders on their backsides before cutting back to leave Morgan with an easy sidefoot into the net.
There was bad news for Segura in what was turning out to be a tepid second half when Adorjan departed the field holding his thigh, giving Craig Roddan the opportunity to impress.
The half was 20 minutes old before either side managed a shot of note, Silva dancing into enough space to drill low towards Lynch - but the 'keeper didn't break sweat.
The excellent Michael Roberts displayed great technique with a 20-yard smack which shook the crossbar.
Segura was forced into another change on 74 minutes when Wisdom hobbled from the turf to be replaced by Stephen Sama.
It didn't knock Liverpool off balance, though, and it could have been 2-0 when a low ball was delivered into the box and landed at the feet of Matty Regan, who unfortunately applied a centre-back's finish.
Suso exhibited his technical ability to create an excellent opportunity for Morgan but the in-form striker was thwarted by a flailing leg from the goalkeeper.
Topi Obadeyi attempted to secure an equaliser in injury-time but Belford was once again aware.
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Michael Roberts
The Kids Aren't Alright - They're Much Better Than That
A 6-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday and two teenage graduates shining in a gritty draw away to Arsenal on Sunday; it’s hard to recall the last time that Liverpool’s Academy enjoyed a weekend quite as productive as this one.
If anyone was in any doubt that something special is stirring on the fields of Arbour Lane in Kirkby then the last 48 hours will surely have removed them. The sight of Jonathan Flanagan and Jack Robinson – two of the youngest players to appear in the Premier League this season – repelling Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri was a joy to behold for anyone who cherishes youth development and a particular pleasure for the Liverpool management team, staff and supporters who are so desperate to see youngsters like these two establish themselves in the first team.
But, if anything, their fantastic individual performances were the tip of a magnificent collective iceberg as emphasised by the manner, as much as the margin, of Liverpool under 18s emphatic victory over United 24 hours earlier. Firstly, it must be emphasised that the visitors to the Academy were depleted in number as a result of their ongoing involvement in the FA Youth Cup and though Liverpool were also lacking several key players they were not forced to dip into their junior ranks to quite the same extent as their opponents.
Because of this, it would be foolish in the extreme to get carried away with the scoreline. Instead, it was the nature and style of the performance delivered by Rodolfo Borrell’s team that should cause excitement. After a first half display that fell short of their usual high standards, Liverpool were transformed after the interval, pressing high up the pitch and refusing to give United any kind of outlet and passing them into submission when in possession. There was a patience and a maturity about the way they played which spoke volumes for the work that is being put in by Borrell and his coaching staff and also by Frank McParland, the Academy director, and the other members of the hierarchy.
The extent to which the Liverpool Way is being preached to the impressionable youngsters was underlined during one incident which brought laughter from the healthy sized crowd. One Liverpool player was heard to swear at the referee but no sooner had the expletive left his mouth and Borrell was reprimanding him. “We don’t talk like this,†the Spaniard shouted, making it clear that discipline is as important as talent. The lesson was duly taken on board.
Of course, the Academy is about developing footballers as well as endeavouring to ensure that they are well rounded young men and in this respect it appears to be flourishing. The best example of what the coaching staff are attempting to achieve came in the second half and even though it didn’t actually result in a goal being scored, the philosophy of playing style that prompted it will give great encouragement for the future. A passing move of more than 30 passes, involving almost every one of the outfield players and taking in the length and breadth of the pitch had the United players chasing shadows before a chance was finally created and wasted. It was the kind of move you see when senior teams are totally on top of their game and their opponents but it is hard to remember too many occasions when a group of teenagers have had the necessary combination of patience, technical and tactical quality and teamwork to pass with such patience and precision. It really was a joy to behold.
As usual, Raheem Sterling was in outstanding form and it was no surprise to discover that his progression is now taken him to such a stage that he was included in Kenny Dalglish’s travelling party for the trip to Arsenal. The intention was never for the 16-year-old to be involved at the Emirates, it was all about continuing his acclimatisation to the senior scene. Sat on the bench watching events unfold, Sterling could not have had a better view of Robinson and Flanagan as they performed with an assurance that belied their tender years. Talk about inspiration.
There was another Academy “graduate†on duty at the Emirates whose transition from the youth set up to first team could not go unnoticed. He may be a little bit older than Flanagan, Robinson and Sterling but it should not be forgotten that it was only three months ago that his days were spent at Kirkby rather than Melwood. That man, of course, is Dalglish himself. For the youngsters to have him around as they bid to make the transition from junior ranks to the first team is a massive help.
There are two images of Dalglish from the 1-1 draw with Arsenal that will stick in the mind for some time to come. The first saw him laughing and joking with Robinson just as the 17-year-old was about to enter the fray. You can imagine what was going through his mind; here he was about to play against one of the fastest wingers in football, in front of 60,000 fans and with millions more watching at home on television. And here was Dalglish – manager, club legend and erstwhile 5-a-side opponent at the Academy – making him giggle. That’s how a man (or should that be boy) manager releases pressure and from his very first involvement Robinson looked totally at ease with both his surroundings and his task. The second involved Flanagan who looked perturbed at his unfortunate role in the injury suffered by Jamie Carragher. Dalglish immediately recognised that this incident had the potential to knock the inexperienced right back off his stride and called him over for a pep talk, telling him not to worry and get on with his game. Pep talk duly delivered, Flanagan got on with the game and continued to play his part in a defensive performance that was rich in character and spirit. The players will rightly take the credit for that but Dalglish’s influence should not be understated.
It has been quite a weekend for the Academy, the type of which will bring it renewed attention albeit for the best reasons possible. But things could still get even better. Should the under 18s win their remaining two games then they will be crowned champions and there is an even bigger prize at stake for all the players involved. As Robinson, Flanagan and Sterling have shown, there is now a definite pathway into the first team and with Dalglish making it clear that it is ability and not age that will determine his selection policies then his Liverpool side could feature yet more youngsters in the weeks and months to come.