[lfc-news] Reserves v Wolves: report - Official Site

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Official LFC Wwbsite, 15 Nov 2004
STEVIE ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL RETURN
By Steve Hunter & Mark Platt

Steven Gerrard's return to action drew a record crowd of 6,280 to Telford
United's Bucks Head Stadium on Monday night as Liverpool reserves defeated
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.
Neil Mellor scored the winning goal but it was Reds captain Gerrard who was
the main focus of attention as he stepped up his bid for full match fitness
ahead of Saturday's Premiership game at Middlesbrough.

Gerrard came on for the second half and played extremely well before being
replaced in stoppage time.

There was a huge contingent of Liverpudlians among the capacity crowd and
they cheered his every touch.

Linking well with John Welsh in the centre of midfield, his passing was
crisp and sharp and he looked as if he'd never been away.

He would have marked his return with a goal but for a fantastic save from
man-of-the-match Matt Murray who pushed his first time right-footed drive away.

The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time from Mellor but the
most pleasing aspect of this game will be the return of inspirational
skipper Gerrard who showed no reaction to the foot injury that had ruled
him out since the end September.

Gerrard looked as though he had never been away for Liverpool as he settled
in superbly to the game and produced some great passes and through balls.
It was great to see the skipper back on the pitch and the fans who packed
into Bucks Head certainly enjoyed themselves.

Gerrard could have marked his return with a goal but for a superb save from
Matt Murray from his fierce drive.

Such was the demand to see the match the kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes
with a big following from Liverpool fans delighted to see Gerrard back on a
football pitch again. It was a record attendance at Telford United's Bucks
Head stadium of 6,280.

Inevitably the game was won by a Neil Mellor goal in the 80th minute, and
including his two for the first team against Middlesbrough last week this
was his eighth goal of the season. It was a good opportunist finish too to
make up for an earlier effort he had put wide when clean through.

Besides the comeback of Gerrard included in a strong Liverpool line-up were
Stephane Henchoz, Neil Mellor, Richie Partridge, Stephen Warnock, Darren
Potter with John Welsh captaining the side. Paul Harrison enjoyed another
outing in goal instead of Patrice Luzi.

Seven of the Wolves Reserves starting line-up had featured in last week's
5-0 victory over Everton.

The undoubted man of the match was Wolves goalkeeper England Under-21
international Matt Murray who made some brilliant saves on the night to
keep out the likes of Mellor, Gerrard and Robbie Foy.

Wolves had the first chance of the match after five minutes but Mark Smyth
did his job on the goal line to clear a Joachim Bjorklund header away to
safety.

A minute later a surging run from Neil Mellor took him into the Wolves
penalty area but his left footed drive was superbly kept out by Wolves
England Under-21 international goalkeeper Matt Murray.

Two minutes later Murray was the obstacle again to keep out Liverpool.
Mellor's through ball sent Robbie Foy racing clear but the keeper made a
superb save at point blank range at his feet.

Wolves suffered an injury blow after nine minutes when Tom France fell
awkwardly and after a five minute delay was carried off the field with a
serious looking ankle problem.

There was a great chance for Mellor after 15 minutes when Stephen Warnock
did well down the left flank and put in a great cross for the striker who
just couldn't reach the ball, and at the other end Wolves wasted a golden
opportunity when Bjorklund headed wide.

Murray in the Wolves goal was having an inspired match and after 19 minutes
made a sensational double save. The move was created by some wonderful wing
play down the right from Richie Partridge, who beat a couple of defenders
then his low cross found the unmarked Mark Smyth at the back post whose
effort was saved well by Murray. Then from the follow up Mellor's stinging
drive was amazing turned away by an instinctive save from the keeper.

Still the chances kept coming in the first half and still the Wolves keeper
wouldn't be beaten. Foy saw two more efforts superbly saved by Murray as
the Reds just couldn't find a way past him.
Steven Gerrard made his return in the second half as a replacement for Mark
Smyth while James Smith replaced Stephane Henchoz. The return of captain
Gerrard is a major boost for Rafael Benitez especially with the Champions
League trip to Monaco next Tuesday.

The second half saw Liverpool lay siege to the Wolves goal and chances came
and went. Mellor curled one effort just wide then Zak Whitbread headed wide
from a superb Gerrard free-kick delivery.

The best chance arrived after 53 minutes when a magnificent through ball
from Gerrard sent Mellor racing clear but unusually for the striker with
just Murray to beat his effort went just wide when a goal had seemed certain.

Gerrard was playing central midfield for the Reds alongside Welsh while
Potter played just off Mellor and they linked up well. Potter had a superb
match and was full of creativity.

The goal eventually arrived after 80 minutes when Mellor's persistence
finally paid off and he finished well with a low shot past Murray.

Wolves Reserves: Wolves Reserves: Murray, Clyde, Rafferty, Andrews,
Bjorklund (Fitzpatrick 45), Townsend, Stewart, Gleeson, Clarke, Musson,
France (Riley 9).

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Raven, Warnock, Henchoz (J Smith 45),
Whitbread, Potter, Partridge, Welsh, Mellor, Foy, Smyth (Gerrard 45, Mannix
90). Subs not used: Willis, Wilkie.

Referee: A Page.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Darren Potter. A class act in midfield and
had a really good match.


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