Advantage Liverpool

The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Semi-Final first leg
7.45pm, Thursday 16 April 2009
St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham City FC

Liverpool youth team coach Hugh McAuley admits his side need to play for the full 90 minutes after a superb first-half display was followed by a sloppy second period in their 3-0 win over Birmingham in The FA Youth Cup Semi-Final first leg.

A rampant first 28 minutes saw the Reds score three goals thanks to a brace from Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle and a solo effort from winger David Amoo.

But McAuley concedes that complacency began to sink in once his side established that lead.

He said: "I thought in the first 45 minutes we created good chances, scored good goals, and played a lot of decent football.

"But I felt we started the game in the second half a little bit sloppily and a little bit complacent even though we made the point at half-time about what we had to do and carry on with."

Dalla Valle gave his side the perfect start after 12 minutes when a goalmouth scramble ended with the striker stroking the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

The lead was doubled 12 minutes later when a mazy run from Amoo was followed by a sweet low finish to Birmingham keeper Dean Lyness' left.

Lyness then handed Liverpool a farcical third goal after his throw landed at Dalla Valle's feet leaving the Finn with a routine chance that he gratefully accepted.

But the strong start was followed by uncertainty and McAuley believes his side have much to work on.

"I thought we didn't pass the ball enough in the second half and our all round game in the second 45 minutes wasn't good enough," he said.

"We're pleased with the result but it's only half-time in the tie. There is another game at Anfield next week and we've got to play for 90 minutes, not 45."