[Mighty T.A.L.]

Putterill sends Reds through to 4th round

A goal from Ray Putterill ensured holders Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after a deserved 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion after extra-time on a bitterly cold winter's night at the Hawthorns.

Steve Heighway's side dominated the match and should have had the game won in normal time but they kept their heads up despite good missed opportunities and Putterill scored an excellent goal two minutes into the first period of extra-time.

Robbie Threlfall had earlier given Liverpool the lead in the first minute of the game but the Baggies equalised just before the half hour mark.

The Reds won the FA Youth Cup last season with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Manchester City and from the team that won the competition last season the Reds were without the likes of Paul Anderson, Adam Hammill, Godwin Antwi, Jack Hobbs and Miki Roque as they are now beyond the age limit required for the FA Youth Cup.

However, of the players based at Melwood Heighway named goalkeeper David Roberts, last season's leading scorer Craig Lindfield, Ryan Flynn and Threlfall in his starting line-up. Stephen Darby started the game after making a quick dash to the Midlands from Liverpool Airport after returning from Istanbul with the first team squad on Wednesday afternoon. The right back had a superb match and deserves a lot of credit for a tireless performance.

The Baggies side included former Liverpool Academy striker Michael Nardiello in attack. He was a member of the victorious squad last season but left early in this campaign for West Brom.

Liverpool made a fantastic start to the game by taking the leead inside the first minute. It came from a well worked corner and Threlfall, who made a habit of scoring crucial goals in this competition, headed home home a superb right wing cross from Ryan Wignall.

After some concerted pressure the home side equalised after 26 minutes when Stefan Morrison slotted the ball into the net after Liverpool failed to clear a cross.

Liverpool dominated the second half territorially and always looked the more threatening but by coach John Owens own admittance they have struggled to score goals this season and that lack of cutting edge in the final third of the field was very much evident in normal time. That was epitomised by the last kick of normal time when Liverpool should have won the game. Albion keeper John Bateman made a superb save from Putterill but from the inviting rebound Lee Woodward blazed over the bar.

Earlier Putterill had gone close and Jay Spearing hit a rasping drive just over the bar.

In the first minute of extra-time Liverpool had a glorious chance to score when Putterill found himself clean through only to be denied by Bateman. However, a minute later Putterill made no mistake with a fine low strike from 20-yards out.

Liverpool played some excellent football on the night and this victory will be a great boost for the young Reds.

West Bromwich Albion Youth: Bateman, Mason, Baker, Labadie, Manchester, Holmes, McGovern, Compton, Morrison, Nardiello, Nicholson.

Liverpool Youth: Roberts, Darby, Burns, Gaughan, Threlfall, Spearing, Wignall (Barnett 45'), Ryan (Pringle 118'), Lindfield, Flynn (Woodward 60'), Putterill. Subs not used: Behan, Mimms (GK).

Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv