[lfc-news] Reserves v Everton report - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 24 Mar 2005
SMICER EARNS RESERVES A DRAW WITH EVERTON
Steve Hunter in Southport

Czech ace Vladimir Smicer has given Rafael Benitez a boost as he
assesses his striking options for the Bolton game as he scored a
brilliant goal in Liverpool Reserves 1-1 draw with Everton in the mini
derby at Southport's Haig Avenue.

Smicer played just behind Academy striker Conal Platt and was a lively
presence in the Liverpool side, especially in the second half.

After Eddy Bosnar had fired Everton into a first half lead with an
unstoppable 35-yard rocket Smicer equalised nine minutes into the second
half with an excellent finish following a flowing move and a brilliant
cross from David Raven.

Smicer, Mauricio Pellegrino and Antonio Nunez all featured for Liverpool
playing the full 90 minutes as did trialist Stephen Hogg, a 19-year-old
recently released by Manchester United. Hogg can play centre half or
central midfield and Paul Harrison lined up in goal.

Reds reserve manager Hughie McAuley was without the likes of John Welsh,
Richie Partridge and Darren Potter, away on international duty with
England Under-21s and Republic of Ireland Under-21s respectively.
Anthony Le Tallec didn't figure either.

McAuley has also lost another player for the season in England Under-20
striker Mark Smyth, who underwent a minor operation on his right knee
earlier this week that will sideline him for four to six weeks.

Jon Otsembor captained the Liverpool team in the absence of Welsh while
promising youngster James Smith partnered Pellegrino at centre half.
David Raven was at left back while Hogg played alongside David Mannix in
central midfield.

Everton's senior players included goalkeeper Richard Wright, Steve
Watson defender Eddy Bosnar, and French transfer window signing
midfielder Guillaume Plessis.

Hogg was instantly involved in the action showing good skill and then a
decent effort on goal which produced a good save from Richard Wright.

Everton went close after 10 minutes when Victor Anichebe let fly with a
stinging effort which was brilliantly pushed aside by Paul Harrison. The
Reds keeper is a fantastic shot stopper and demonstrated his ability yet
again.

Two minutes later a James Smith back pass didn't carry enough weight and
Harrison lost out in a 50-50 situation to Paul Hopkins. The Everton
striker dribbled past Harrison, could have had a penalty as the keeper
made contact, but advantage was played. Hopkins stayed on his feet and a
goal seemed certain until Mauricio Pellegrino appeared from nowhere to
make a fantastic challenge and deflect the ball behind for a corner.

It was turning into quite an eventful debut for trialist Stephen Hogg
and he was booked for a wild challenge, then from the resulting
free-kick Harrison did well to hang onto Eddy Bosnar's header.

Bosnar wasn't to be denied and he scored a stunning goal to put Everton
into the lead after 31 minutes with a 35-yard rocket that gave Harrison
absolutely no chance. Bosnar also scored a free-kick in Everton's 1-0
winner over Liverpool in the mini derby at Wrexham earlier this season.

Bosnar was then forced off the field just before half time after he came
off worst in a challenge from Antonio Nunez.

Six minutes into the second half Liverpool should have equalised.
Scotland youth international Ryan Wilkie showed silky skills down the
left wing and produced a fantastic cross straight to the head of Nunez
but unfortunately his header was straight at Wright.

Three minutes later Liverpool drew level with a brilliant goal from
Vladimir Smicer. David Mannix was the instigator of the goal with a
superb pass out to Smicer who in turn fed the overlapping Raven down the
left. Raven produced a superb low cross and Smicer fired into the net
for a great goal.

Liverpool were playing well now in the second half and the movement at
times was excellent with Mannix and Smicer combining well.

The Czech probably should have won the game for Liverpool 11 minutes
from time when he ran clean through but with just Wright to beat he
miscued the shot as the ball went wide.

Then in the last minute of the match Richard Wright saved Everton with a
great stop to keep out a David Mannix curled free-kick.

Everton Reserves: Wright, Wynne, Wright, Bosnar (Kearney 45), Hughes,
Harris, Watson, Plessis, Anichebe, Hopkins, Seargeant.

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Otsemobor, Raven, J Smith, Pellegrino,
Hogg, Nunez, Mannix, Platt, Smicer, Wilkie. Unused subs: O'Donnell,
Luzi, Noon, Hammill, Barratt.

Referee: R Schoebridge.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: David Mannix, outstanding in central
midfield and Ryan Wilkie also had a fine match. James Smith had another
fine game in defence and Mauricio Pellegrino was excellent.

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