Liverpool U18s got their 2014-15 FA Youth Cup campaign off to an impressive start as they hit Bradford City with an early brace of goals to secure a 2-0 victory on Monday night. Neil Critchleys side made a stunning start to the encounter at Langtree Park as Sergi Canos and Jerome Sinclair both hit the back of the net in the first four minutes of play to earn the home side a vital two-goal cushion. They could have had more goals in the first half - but the comfortable triumph means the young Reds can now look forward to a home fixture against Derby County in the fourth round of the Youth Cup. The Reds were inconsolable at the conclusion of their last outing in this prestigious competition, when an astonishing quarter-final clash against Reading back in March finished 4-4 after extra-time. The teams had taken it in turns to overturn two-goal deficits at the Madejski Stadium before the young Reds were left heartbroken by the Royals 5-4 penalty shoot-out triumph. However, memories of that rain-sodden evening were all but banished by a whirlwind opening four minutes of play on Monday, in which Critchleys players pulled their opponents to pieces. They dominated from the first kick of the match. Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo, Canos and Sinclair dovetailed to devastating effect in front of Adam Phillips, Jordan Rossiter and Pedro Chirivella, who were simply a joy to watch in the middle of the park. Sinclair earned the opening goal after two minutes by forcing Bradfords goalkeeper, Elliott Barker, into an error and allowing Ojo to scoop possession. He was unselfish, cutting a pass back into the path of Canos, who slid the ball into an unguarded net. There was barely time for the disorientated visitors to compose themselves. Rossiter was ruthless, taking back the ball. Chirivella assumed command to play in Ojo, who used the outside of his boot to steer Sinclair into the clear. With opposition defenders back-peddling furiously, Sinclair drove forward, completely composed. Injecting pace, he sped inside from the left and switched onto his right foot to arrow the ball home at the near post. Ojo thought hed made it 3-0 shortly after when Rossiter sent a sensational first-time pass spiralling into a packed penalty area and the forward rose to power a header into the back of the net, but the referee ruled he was offside. Canos sped down the right and drove a cross into the middle. Sinclair managed to control, twist, turn and curl towards goal - all in one swift movement - but Rhys Jenkinson, who had been tied up in knots by the Liverpool man, applied an outstretched foot to send the ball wide. The young Reds were purring. Everything Chirivella did was effortless and precise, everything Rossiter did was industrious and simplistic - and then there was Phillips, still just 16 years of age, who left the crossbar shuddering with a stunning 35-yard free-kick. As Liverpool passed and probed and produced intricate link-up play, Bradford mustered the odd opportunity. They were at their most dangerous when Sumali Cissa sent a low drive crashing towards Andrew Firth, but the Reds stopper smothered the ball capably. The home sides first chance after the interval was fashioned by Phillips, who hit a superb 40-yard ball through the Bradford ranks and the recipient, Ojo, shot straight at the onrushing Barker. The ball rebounded out into the path of Canos, whose volleyed drive was collected by the keeper. In the 64th minute, Critchley opted for a double substitution, bringing Harry Wilson in to replace Kent and Joe Lewis on for Ojo, pushing Phillips into the No.10 role behind Sinclair as Liverpool attempted to retain the intensity they demonstrated early on. Credit must go to their visitors, though, who remained staunch and positive having endured Liverpools sensational opening surge in the game and during the second half, they looked capable of halving the deficit. However, the Reds remained in control in what was a much slower and quieter second half - and Critchleys charges were able to secure a passage to the fourth round of the competition. Liverpool U18s: Firth, Polgar, Whelan, Brewitt, Rossiter, Phillips (Ejaria), Canos, Chirivella, Sinclair, Kent (Wilson), Ojo (Lewis). Unused substitutes: Wheeler, Travis.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:20:16 +0000
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