The Web Guy 12th July, 2007

Liverpool Under-18s produced a superb attacking display to hit five past a shell-shocked Bolton in the FA Premier Academy League.

Goals from Nathan Eccleston (2), David Amoo (2) and Marvin Pourie did the damage as they secured an impressive 5-2 victory in what were blustery conditions.

Coach Hughie McAuley was delighted with his side’s effort but believes there are still parts of their game that need work and improvement.

“We scored plenty of goals but we also conceded a few that I wasn’t too pleased with,” said McAuley.

“I thought our play at times was very good as was our passing and movement. On other occasions we were a little bit sloppy, took our foot off the pedal and allowed them more possession. They had one or two chances as a result of that.

“We created some good chances to score and took our opportunities well but we still want more defensively at times and we need to work on that part of our game.

“But generally speaking I’m pleased with the result, pleased with the performance and I’m happy with the attitude of everybody involved.”

In an action-packed first-half the Reds scored with almost their first attack when a flowing move down the left channel on nine minutes saw Astrit Ajdarevic cross for the unmarked Nathan Eccleston to pick his spot.

David Amoo then saw his effort from a tight angle rebound back off the far post before Bolton had their first opportunity when Tom Brooks headed over with the goal at his mercy.

Eccleston then flashed a shot just past the post and Marvin Pourie saw his close range strike well saved as the Reds dominated.

And on 26 minutes they doubled their advantage when Pourie flicked the ball past his marker and ran through to slot the ball past the keeper with a composed finish.

However, their two-goal cushion lasted just two minutes as Topi Obadeyi hammered a 20-yard free-kick past the despairing dive of Dean Bouzanis in the Liverpool goal.

The visitors then spurned a great chance to level and Pourie had an effort cleared off the line before the hosts grabbed the third on 38 minutes.

Pourie charged in to the penalty area and as he was clattered by two desperate challenges the ball broke to Amoo who placed a controlled strike into the far left-hand corner.

Bouzanis made a string of fine saves to see the Reds through to the interval with their two-goal lead still intact before Eccleston curled home his second of the match on 65 minutes after a scrappy start to the second period.

Bolton refused to give up and pulled another goal back courtesy of Kevin Wolfe, when he directed a cross from the right past Bouzanis.

But it was Liverpool’s day and Amoo sealed the win with virtually the last kick of the game, poaching the Reds’ fifth after substitute Michael Collins’ effort appeared to hit a Bolton player on the arm.