Reserves v Sunderland - report

Official LFC Website, 16 Sept 2004
PONGOLLE INJURED AS RESERVES WIN

An injury to French Under-21 international striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle
marred Liverpool Reserves 1-0 win over Sunderland which saw Neil Mellor
score his first goal of the season, writes Steve Hunter

An injury to French Under-21 international striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle
marred Liverpool Reserves 1-0 win over Sunderland which saw Neil Mellor
score his first goal of the season.

It was in the 72nd minute of the game that Sinama-Pongolle collapsed on the
ground in agony after seeming to twist his ankle, and after treatment he
was helped off the field and couldn't put any weight on his ankle. The
watching Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping the injury isn't
too serious.

The game itself was certainly a low key affair as a strong looking
Liverpool team struggled to produce clear cut openings. When they did
create their first meaningful chance it was perhaps inevitable Neil Mellor
was the scorer. It was something of a rarity for Mellor not to score in his
previous two reserve team outings after suffering a knee injury in
pre-season. The goal came in the 56th minute and was created by
Sinama-Pongolle intercepting a backpass and he fed Mellor who found the net.

It was the reserves first goal of the season and first victory of the season.

It was a fairly disappointing match despite Hughie McAuley fielding a
strong side featuring Chris Kirkland, Stephane Henchoz, Florent
Sinama-Pongolle, Neil Mellor and Richie Partridge. Henchoz partnered Zak
Whitbread at the heart of the Liverpool defence with Djimi Traore at left
back and Salif Diao right back. John Welsh was back in the centre of
midfield as captain andpartnered Darren Potter.

As far as Chris Kirkland is concerned he didn't have a lot to do during the
match but he made one superb save at the start of the second half and he
was composed throughout the game. Stephane Henchoz had his usual efficient
match at the centre of defence and did well.

In what was a very disappointing first half Liverpool's only chance came
from the lively Stephen Warnock who chased a loose ball, chipped it over
keeper Michael Ingham but in a packed penalty area there were plenty of
defenders around to clear the danger.

It was a frustrating first half for the strike pairing of Neil Mellor and
Florent Sinama-Pongolle who had no service whatsoever. Richie Partridge was
lively down the right wing but all too often disappointed with his final
ball. However, this was only Partridge's third game in nine months so maybe
he is still finding his feet again as his approach play is excellent.

Sunderland made a bright start to the second half and had a great chance
when Grant Leadbitter's fine strike was superbly pushed around the post by
Chris Kirkland.

Liverpool took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Neil
Mellor's first goal of the season. A misplaced back pass was intercepted by
Florent Sinama-Pongolle whose pass found Neil Mellor who slotted into the
back of the net. It was Mellor's first goal of the season in his third game
back.

The two strikers then combined again on the hour with Mellor sending
Sinama-Pongolle awaywith a great pass. The French striker then closed in on
goal but saw his tame effort saved by Ingham. It was a disappointing effort
as Mellor had made good ground and was unmarked at the back post.

Sunderland then went close five minutes later when Richie Ryan's dipping
effort beat Kirkland but the ball hit the bar.

Liverpool went close after 70 minutes when some good approach play from
Mellor set up an opening for Partridge but the Republic of Ireland Under-21
international shot wide.

Liverpool Reserves: Kirkland, Diao, Traore, Henchoz, Whitbread, Potter,
Partridge, Welsh, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle (Foy 72), Warnock. Subs not used:
Raven, Harrison, Mannix, O'Donnell.

Sunderland Reserves: Ingham, Christensen, Dodds, Dickman, Collins, Clark,
Kingsberry, Wanless, Teggart, Leadbitter, Ryan.

Referee: M Matadar.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Stephane Henchoz. The Swiss international
might be out of favour at the moment but he showed a great attitude and had
a typical efficient match. He was encouraging young defender Zak Whitbread
who will have benefited from playing alongside Henchoz.