Liverpool FC Forum

[tubby]

Neil Mellor made a successful return to action as a second half substitute as goals from Ramon Calliste and Besian Idrizaz gave Liverpool Reserves a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Hyde United FC's Ewen Fields. 
There was an injury scare though for the Reds who had Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Darren Potter stretchered off after 25 minutes, but it was later revealed he had a muscle spasm in his back and it isn't serious.
 
Liverpool were superb on the night and they worked so hard as a team and there were many positives for Paco Herrera and Hughie McAuley to take from the game.
 
Mellor, who has been on the sidelines for almost a year after a double knee operation to cure tendonitis, made his comeback in the 72nd minute as a substitute for Ramon Calliste. Mellor last played during the Carling Cup win over Watford at Anfield on January 11th, and he was sharp and would have had a comeback goal but for a fine save from United keeper Luke Steele.
 
United had Norwegian striker and boyhood Liverpool fan Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in their team and he played 45 minutes in his first match for 19 months.
 
Liverpool were excellent on the night and 17-year-old centre backs Godwin Antwi and Miki Roque were superb and made some fantastic tackles and interceptions. They were aided by the cool head of captain David Raven who was playing left back. Northern Ireland youth international Paul Willis was outstanding in goal for Liverpool and made several fine saves.
 
Liverpool made a fine start and took the lead after 10 minutes when Ramon Calliste found the net after a mistake from United keeper Luke Steele. It was a proud moment for Calliste as he was playing against the club who released him at the end of last season.
 
The Reds were passing the ball well and Danny Guthrie fired a shot over the bar from a decent move. Then Antonio Barragan skipped past a couple of defenders and his stinging drive was well held by Steele.
 
Willis made the first of many brilliant saves for Liverpool after 53 minutes when he kept out an effort from United substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake at point blank range. The Reds keeper then made another fine stop to deny Gerard Pique.
 
Liverpool also had their chances and 17-year-old winger Paul Anderson went close with a rasping drive from 25-yards out that cleared the bar.
 
Neil Mellor then made his return to action in the 72nd minute and replaced Ramon Calliste in attack. He nearly scored three minutes later when he turned the defender inside out before seeing his effort superbly saved by Steele. The United keeper then showed great reactions to make an even better stop from Anderson.
 
Steele then made a fine save from a David Mannix free-kick before Liverpool sealed the game in the 87th minute when 17-year-old Austrian Besian Idrizaj leapt like a salmon to meet a corner and powered his header beyond the reach of Steele and into the net for 2-0.
 
Manchester United Reserves: Steele, Simpson, Eckersley, Cathcart, Pique, Fox, Neumayr, Jones, Solskjaer (Ebanks-Blake 45), Rossi, Martin (Cooper 70).
 
Liverpool Reserves: Willis, Barragan, Raven, Roque, Antwi, Hobbs, Anderson, Potter (Peltier 25), Calliste (Mellor 72), Mannix, Guthrie (Idrizaj 65). Subs unused: Roberts, Hammill.
 
Referee: A Hendley. 
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Im sure it cant be too long now before we start seeing some of these young stars in the premiership. In particular im looking forward to seeing Idrizaj who was as you all know was voted player of tghe year in his native Austria which is some accolade for a youngster.

[Garymac]

Idrezaj could be a good player but the players with real potential are Barragan, hammill and calliste.

barragan i think will get a 1st team game this season and Hammill is the best youngster from the academy, a tricky little winger who can beat men with ease.

Calliste reminds me of Baros a lot, energetic, quick, lively, not a great finisher but got the potential to improve.

But Barragan has never failedto impressive me for the reserves, defo has has a future in a red shirt

[Reinas No.1 Fan]

Im hoping many of these youngster start coming good, Its always good to see young rising stars coming through the youth acedemy or being guided through after being signed at a young age.

a few good players especially the ones that rafa has signed.

Barragan, Raven, Roque, Antwi, Hobbs, Anderson, Calliste, Idrizaj, Hammill. are my tips to watch for the future. The defenders especially

[murphy0151]

Oh i luv the gaffa.

Why do I only see good times ahead.

OH RAFA WE LUV YOU

[tubby]

Forgive me but i havent heard of Hammil before. I know Barragan will be in the first team soon. hes already played against Kaunas. Plus hes scored a few himself in the reserves. Isnt he injured right now ?

[Reinas No.1 Fan]

Hammill hes good on champ!!!!!

[tubby]

So is Peltier.

[XSD]

Idrezaj could be a good player but the players with real potential are Barragan, hammill and calliste.

barragan i think will get a 1st team game this season and Hammill is the best youngster from the academy, a tricky little winger who can beat men with ease.

Calliste reminds me of Baros a lot, energetic, quick, lively, not a great finisher but got the potential to improve.

But Barragan has never failedto impressive me for the reserves, defo has has a future in a red shirt

Do you watch a lot of reserve games?

[Chelsea]

i have only seen mellor a handful of times, but to me he has always looked an excellent prospect.

for the future could you see him and pongolle forming a good partnership?

[Ace Ventura]

I seen Mellor in the Walkabout in town with Whitbread about a month ago and he looked like he had put about 3 stone on.

He is a player that will work hard for the team, and his contribution last season (especially the Arsenal and Olympiakos goals) will not be forgotten.

Ultimately though imo not good enough for LFC if we want to move on to the next level.

[wrighty (not mark!)]

I would not be surprised if you see a v.youthful side in the fa cup game against Luton. People may say that this would be an example of Rafa not learning from his mistakes but it is clearly evident with the Champions League and the Prem in mind, we have bigger fish to fry.


--------------------Carson-----------------------


Raven         Antwi          Roque         Warnock


                        Hobbes

Anderson            Kewell                 Hammill

               Cisse           Pongolle

Great opportunity to help the youngsters out in giving them competitive games to help them develop towards a brighter future.

[The_Rock]

i have only seen mellor a handful of times, but to me he has always looked an excellent prospect.

for the future could you see him and pongolle forming a good partnership?

  spoken like a true chelsea fan  .........