Leto MOM for the reserves tonight

[nb]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...070904-2123.htm

 

PUTTERILL SPOT ON TO EARN REDS A POINT

Steve Hunter at the Riverside Stadium 04 September 2007

A second half penalty from Ray Putterill earned Liverpool Reserves a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in a highly controversial encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

It was the Reds first Barclays Premier Reserve League North match of the season and it was a game full of many talking points.

 

Middlesbrough's opening goal will be talked about for a long time. In scenes reminiscent of Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, striker Tom Craddock punched a Gaizka Mendieta cross into the back of the net. Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje was incensed but despite the Liverpool protests the goal was given.

 

It was tough on Liverpool who played very well on the night, but Gary Ablett's side kept working hard and they got their just rewards when Putterill equalised from the penalty spot, after a hand ball from Boro defender Jonathan Grounds.

 

Liverpool probably should have taken all three points on the night but despite creating some glorious opportunities they were let down by wasteful finishing.

 

French goalkeeper Itandje and Spanish youth international Mikel San Jose made their first appearances for the Reds and both players did well. Itandje was steady and he made a brilliant save towards the end of the game, while San Jose looked calm and composed at the heart of the Reds defence.

 

Brazilian international Lucas and Argentine winger Sebastian Leto also started the game for Ablett's side, while French Under-21 international Damien Plessis made his debut as a second half substitute. Jack Hobbs captained the team and partnered San Jose at centre half, while summer capture from Stockport County Ryan Crowther made his debut on the right wing.

 

On show for Middlesbrough was Spanish international Gaizka Mendieta in midfield, who once cost Lazio £32 million pounds.

 

Liverpool have made some very astute purchases during the summer and in Leto and Lucas the Reds have two very talented players. The pair caught the eye on the night and the Argentine left winger terrorised the Boro defence on the left wing throughout the game. Lucas combined really well with Jay Spearing in central midfield while Putterill was outstanding when he came on down the right wing.

 

There are many positives for Ablett to take from this game and the Reds would have taken all three points but for a goal that should never have been given.

 

Middlesbrough Reserves: Jones, McMahon, Johnson, Hines, Grounds, Cattermole (Thompson), Mendieta, Goulon (Smallwood), Craddock, Hutchinson (Cronesberry), Bennett.

 

Liverpool Reserves: Itandje, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Hobbs, Spearing, Crowther (Flynn 45), Lucas (Plessis 77), Lindfield, Brouwer (Putterill 59), Leto. Subs' not used: Martin (GK), Threlfall.

 

Referee: Mr P E Curry.

 

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Sebastian Leto. Outstanding and always looking to take on defenders and create chances.

[Stevie H]

completely forgot that boro still had mendieta.

[Guest Sabre]

Itandje played well

[Guest JV]

Itandje played well

Sell him

[Sion]

Itandje played well

 

But how did he warm up, that's what I want to know.

[Guest Kaizer]

completely forgot that boro still had mendieta.

 

I have wondered about whats happened to him, has he been out injured or something?

 

I have not seen his name in the first team for ages.

[Guest Kaizer]

But how did he warm up, that's what I want to know.

 

[muleskinner]

Is Miki Roque still at the club?

[Guest Sabre]

Is Miki Roque still at the club?

 

On loan at some funny sounded Spanish club

[Bailo]

completely forgot that boro still had mendieta.

Surreal that. World class for one, maybe two years.

[M4TTA]

But how did he warm up, that's what I want to know.

 

[M4TTA]

But how did he warm up, that's what I want to know.

 

[Cobs]

But how did he warm up, that's what I want to know.

you had to see it to believe it

 

 

i'll give him 3 months

[Cam]

Middlesbrough's opening goal will be talked about for a long time.

Who the feck by? It was a reserve game watched by 3 people and a whippet.

[kacangpool]

we must demand an apology from the ref. another 2 points lost.

[Armin_Tamzarian]

Even the Boro site reckon he punched it in

[KD07]

A better warm up and he'd have saved it, punched in or not.

[Walrus]

What the hell was the celebration about??? Putterill gave the Boro defender a kiss - wtf?