Liverpool 2-1 ManUtd

Liverpool 2-2 ManUtd

Liverpool 2-3 ManUtd

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Manchester United took a giant step towards a record-breaking tenth Youth Cup success with a composed and clinical victory at Anfield in front of a fantastic crowd of 19,518 at Anfield.

Controlled in possession, Paul McGuinness’ side were undaunted by the crowd nor the fact they were taking on the holders. Liverpool even took an early advantage through their impressive striker Craig Lindfield, but United came back to take the lead into the second leg at Old Trafford in nine days time.

An own goal from Robbie Threlfall and a spot kick from United captain Sam Hewson in the second half were enough for the visitors during a compelling game.

There was great incentive for the youngsters on show with the sight of so many key figures for both clubs in the Director’s box. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and his skipper Steven Gerrard watched alongside Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already taken one player from Paul McGuinness’ squad in the shape of Craig Cathcart who made it onto the bench for United’s victories over Roma and Watford.

Febian Brandy had the first notable effort on goal after nine minutes, firing from just outside the area to cap a fine counter attack from United. Fagan linked up withWelbeck to drive at the heart of the defence then release Brandy whose strike went narrowly wide of the post.

Craig Lindfield gave the home side the lead with 16 minutes on the clock to the delight of a packed Kop crowd. Ray Putterill turned Richard Eckersley inside out before delivering a dangerous cross that Lindfield powered home from close range.

As United looked to get back on level terms they committed more players forward and Brandy almost gave them a spectacular equaliser. Leaping into the air acrobatically, the diminuitive forward didn’t quite connect fully with his overhead kick attempt.

Lee Woodward came close to adding a second after half an hour, Putterill again was the provider from the left wing with an inswinging cross that Zieler was unable to claim. Both sides were eager on the ball but the occasion at times came to bear on their young shoulders.

Welbeck turned effortlessly past Darby to create a real chance for United, spurning a shooting chance of his own he unselfishly found Fagan, but Hansen dealt with the side-footed shot.

Almost immediately after the interval United were level, with Robbie Threlfall the unlucky defender who put the ball in his own net. Daniel Galbriath’s cross was seemingly innocuous but somehow Threlfall stooped to put his name on the scoresheet in unfortunate circumstances.

The visitors came close to taking the lead as captain Sam Hewson, purposeful and poised throughout, surged forward and cracked a storming shot towards goal. Hansen reached the effort but was only able to palm the ball out to Brandy who fed Welbeck but his left-foot drive went narrowly wide.

With 16 minutes remaining Liverpool captain Jay Spearing brought down Brandy in the area and United had the opportunity to take the lead. Hewson stepped up confidently despite the pressure to step up in front of the Kop, and he duly despatched his spot kick.

Teams
Liverpool: 1 Martin Hansen, 2 Stephen Darby, 3 Michael Burns, 4 Jay Spearing (c), 5 Robbe Threlfall, 6 Charlie Barnett, 7 Jimmy Ryan, 8 Ryan Flynn, 9 Craig Lindfield, 10 Lee Woodward (16 Nathan Eccleston 68), 11 Ray Putterill
Subs Not Used: 12 Steven Irwin, 13 David Roberts, 14 Sean Highdale, 15 Ben Parsonage,

Manchester United: 1 Ron-Robert Zieler, 2 Richard Eckersley, 3 Corry Evans, 4 Kenny Strickland, 5 James Chester, 6 Daniel Drinkwater (14 Antonio Bryan 75), 7 Daniel Welbeck, 8 Sam Hewson (c), 9 Febian Brandy (15 Matthew James 90), 10 Christopher Fagan, 11 Daniel Galbraith
Subs Not Used: 12 Conor McCormack, 13 Gary Woods, 16 Scott Moffat
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 19,5

(Video highlights coming soon!)

Manchester United side performed one of the great comebacks at Old Traffordto beat Arsenal 4-2 in extra time and set up a mouth watering FA Youth Cup final against holders Liverpool.

Watch goals & highlights from the first leg

The visitors were into their stride the quickest and dominated the first half. It was no surprise when they took the lead through Kieran Gibbs minutes after half time. The striker added to his strike in the first leg with a simple tap in following a great pull back across the face of the goal from Nacer Barazite .

Arsenal were made to pay for string of missed chances including Danny Drinkwater hacking Paul Rodgers’ back post header off the line as United fought back and took the game into extra time with goals Chris Fagan midway through the second half and a 93 minute strike from second half substitute Antonio Bryan.

Rhys Murphy thought he had put Arsenal into the final in the first half of extra time when latched onto a stunning 40 yard pass from Abumere Agogo before superbly chipping substitute keeper Ron-Robert Zieler .

But United refused to be beaten and goals from Fabian Brandy and Danny Welbeck in the second period of extra saw them safely through to face their fierce rivals and leaving Arsenal rue missed chances.

Manchester United: Amos (Zeiler 10mins); Evans (Bryan 69mins), Chester, Cathcart, Eckersley; Welbeck, Drinkwater, Galbraith; Hewson, Brandy, Fagan.

Subs not used: Derbyshire, Strickland, Moffat.

Arsenal: Butcher; Ogogo, Hoyte, Rodgers, Steer; Dunne (Lansbury 75 mins), Merida Perez (Fonte 93 mins), Randall, Gibbs; Simpson; Barazite (Murphy 80mins)

Subs not used: Szczesny (GK), Parisio.