Man Utd 0 Liverpool 1 (FA Youth Cup 2nd leg ; 2-2 on Agg, 3-4 on pens)
| Category: | Liverpudlian |
27/4/2007, liverpool.rivals.net
Liverpool's under-18's retained the FA Youth Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford last night.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg at Anfield, the Reds' rookies drew the tie level when defender Robbie Threlfall netted in second half to force extra-time as away goals do not count in the competition.
It was a particularly sweet moment for Threlfall having scored an own-goal at the Kop end in the first leg.
Liverpool won the penalty shoot out 4-3 with the visitors not missing a single kick.
Afterwards, Academy director confirmed that this was his last match in charge with the former winger set to retire from football in two weeks time.
"I think this is the best bunch of boys I've ever worked with," Steve Heighway told Liverpoolfc.tv. "That's the 16th consecutive match we've played in knockout football. You only have to lose one and you're gone, so to do what they've done is just fantastic.
"In Jay Spearing I've got someone with whom I'd trust my life. Same with Stephen Darby, Robbie Threlfall and Michael Burns. For lads of average size, they are fantastic people and fantastic players. I'm convinced Spearing could play at a much higher level, and I'm convinced he could do it now.
"Our boys showed a lot of maturity when the spot kicks came. We left them to it, they decided between themselves who'd take them, then just bombed them in. It was a terrific night, so dramatic, and all in front of a great crowd."
Liverpool first team manager Rafa Benitez congratulated the youngsters, saying: "I want to say congratulations to all the lads and staff.
"They've all worked really hard done a really good job to win the FA Youth Cup for a second time and it's good news for the club.
"It's very positive to see the side winning trophies and, as I've said before, if we can win more trophies on the way to bringing players of quality through to the senior side it's even better.
"Between now and the end of the season there will be an opportunity to use some of the young players who have experience in the reserves.
"We are thinking of including some of them in the squad for Portsmouth tomorrow, but we must still train today, check the condition of all the players and then decide if it's the right time.
"Each year it gets more difficult for young players to play at senior level, but it's clear our idea at Liverpool is to continue to develop top players like Gerrard or Carra."
Four of the youth team will be rewarded with new contracts with Threlfall, Craig Lindfield, Ryan Flynn and Stephen Darby in line for deals.
Editor's Notes
What better way to rev up for the Champions League second leg then the crowning of the Liverpool U-18 winning the FA Youth Cup back-to-back.
And they defy all odds by this triumph made sweeter as they lifted the trophy at Old Trafford.
The Mancs were favourites to win the trophy after their "lucky" 2-1 win in the 1st leg at Anfield. Only this time perhaps their luck ran out and possibly shifted to the Anfield boys.
This could also be the encouragement that the first team needed. Impossibe is nothing.
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