[lfc-news] Resrves v Leeds report - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 6 April 2005
XABI MAKES SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK
Steve Hunter at Wrexham

Xabi Alonso has given Liverpool's Champions League hopes a massive boost
by playing 45 minutes for the Reserves in the 1-0 defeat by Leeds United
at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Spanish ace Alonso has been out for three months after breaking his
ankle on New Year's Day against Chelsea and the sight of the midfield
maestro back on a football pitch ahead of schedule is a very welcome one
for Rafael Benitez.

Alonso played the second half and was quickly into his stride, making
tackles and spraying the ball about with quality passes left, right and
centre. He looked really sharp and combined superbly in midfield with
John Welsh.

As for the game itself Hughie McAuley's side gave it everything,
especially in the second half with Alonso on the field, and they were
unlucky not to get at least a point.

Liverpool played good passing football in the second half and used the
width well with Richie Partridge down the right, and Ryan Wilkie
especially down the left catching the eye. Wilkie had an excellent game
and was a constant threat to the Leeds defence.

Many times in the second half Liverpool got in behind the Leeds defence
but the only thing that was lacking what a goal predator to put the ball
in the back of the net. Irish youth striker Conal Platt worked hard and
is a good young footballer with a good touch and vision, but he is more
of a creative attacking player than a natural finisher.

The only goal of the game came on 27 minutes when Leeds Chris Jones
curled a splendid shot past Paul Harrison.

With captain John Welsh and David Mannix in central midfield Hughie
McAuley gave Academy defender Adam Hitchen his first reserve start at
right back with David Raven moving to left back. Darren Potter played
just off the lone striker Conal Platt.

Potter created the first chance for the Reds after two minutes when his
superb back heel released Richie Partridge whose effort was well saved
by Leeds former Charlton keeper Sasa Ilic.

Partridge went close again after 11 minutes when his cross was deflected
just over the bar and at the other end David Raven cleared a Leeds cross
off the line.

Wilkie then got in behind the Leeds defence down the left side but his
cross was behind Partridge. Then after more good play from Wilkie Darren
Potter had a great chance but unfortunately the Republic of Ireland
Under-21 international miskicked in front of goal.

The best moment of the night arrived in the second half with the arrival
of Xabi Alonso. Hitchen made way with Mannix moving to right back with
Alonso partnering Welsh in midfield.

Straight away Alonso was putting tackles in and not afraid to get stuck in.

Liverpool had a great chance to equalise after 56 minutes from a corner
but the unmarked Danny O'Donnell blazed over the bar.

After 70 minutes Alonso produced a brilliant cross from the left wing
which he hit with the outside of his right foot, but after a goalmouth
scramble Liverpool just couldn't force the ball home.

A superb Alonso pass then sent Partridge racing away but despite cutting
into the area he shot wide. Partridge also missed a great chance four
minutes from time when he couldn't keep an effort down from a good position.

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Hitchen (Alonso 45), Raven, O'Donnell,
Whitbread, Mannix, Partridge, Welsh, Platt, Potter, Wilkie. Subs unused:
Willis (GK), Hammill, Noon, Barratt.

Leeds United Reserves: Ilic, McKeown, Morris, Rothery, Keegan, Parker,
Gray, Jones, Corr, Smith, Woods.

Referee: P N Gibbs.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Ryan Wilkie. Superb display on the left
wing from Wilkie, really got at the Leeds right back.

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