16 April 2007
VIDEO: Final, first leg - Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Liverpool make a great start at Anfield but an own goal and Hewson's penalty give United the advantage.

Liverpool

1-2

Manchester United

Lindfield 16

Threlfall og 49, Hewson pen 74


The FA Youth Cup Final, Sponsored by E.ON
First Leg
7.45pm, Monday 16 April 2007
Anfield 

Manchester United took a giant step towards a record-breaking tenth Youth Cup success with a composed and clinical victory at Anfield in front of a fantastic crowd of 19,518.

Controlled in possession, Paul McGuinness's side were undaunted by the crowd nor the fact they were taking on the holders. Liverpool even took an early advantage through their impressive striker Craig Lindfield, but United came back to take the lead into the second leg at Old Trafford in nine days time.

An own goal from Robbie Threlfall and a spot kick from United captain Sam Hewson in the second half were enough for the visitors during a compelling game.

There was great incentive for the youngsters on show with the sight of so many key figures for both clubs in the Director's box. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and his skipper Steven Gerrard watched alongside Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already taken one player from Paul McGuinness' squad in the shape of Craig Cathcart who made it onto the bench for United's victories over Roma and Watford, and if the United boss was impressed on this evidence there could be further promotions.

Febian Brandy had the first notable effort on goal after nine minutes, firing from just outside the area to cap a fine counter attack from United. Fagan linked up withWelbeck to drive at the heart of the defence then release Brandy whose strike went narrowly wide of the post.

Craig Lindfield gave the home side the lead with 16 minutes on the clock to the delight of a packed Kop crowd. Ray Putterill turned Richard Eckersley inside out before delivering a dangerous cross that Lindfield powered home from close range.

As United looked to get back on level terms they committed more players forward and Brandy almost gave them a spectacular equaliser. Leaping into the air acrobatically, the diminuitive forward didn't quite connect fully with his overhead kick attempt.

Lee Woodward came close to adding a second after half an hour, Putterill again was the provider from the left wing with an inswinging cross that Zieler was unable to claim. Both sides were eager on the ball but the occasion at times came to bear on their young shoulders.

Welbeck turned effortlessly past Darby to create a real chance for United, spurning a shooting chance of his own he unselfishly found Fagan, but Hansen dealt with the side-footed shot.

Almost immediately after the interval United were level, with Robbie Threlfall the unlucky defender who put the ball in his own net. Daniel Galbriath's cross was seemingly innocuous but somehow Threlfall stooped to put his name on the scoresheet in unfortunate circumstances.

The visitors came close to taking the lead as captain Sam Hewson, purposeful and poised throughout, surged forward and cracked a storming shot towards goal. Hansen reached the effort but was only able to palm the ball out to Brandy who fed Welbeck but his left-foot drive went narrowly wide.

With 16 minutes remaining Liverpool captain Jay Spearing brought down Brandy in the area and United had the opportunity to take the lead. Hewson stepped up confidently despite the pressure to step up in front of the Kop, and he duly despatched his spot kick.

Teams

Liverpool: 1 Martin Hansen, 2 Stephen Darby, 3 Michael Burns, 4 Jay Spearing (c), 5 Robbe Threlfall, 6 Charlie Barnett, 7 Jimmy Ryan, 8 Ryan Flynn, 9 Craig Lindfield, 10 Lee Woodward (16 Nathan Eccleston 68), 11 Ray Putterill

Subs Not Used: 12 Steven Irwin, 13 David Roberts, 14 Sean Highdale, 15 Ben Parsonage,

Manchester United: 1 Ron-Robert Zieler, 2 Richard Eckersley, 3 Corry Evans, 4 Kenny Strickland, 5 James Chester, 6 Daniel Drinkwater (14 Antonio Bryan 75), 7 Daniel Welbeck, 8 Sam Hewson (c), 9 Febian Brandy (15 Matthew James 90), 10 Christopher Fagan, 11 Daniel Galbraith

Subs Not Used: 12 Conor McCormack, 13 Gary Woods, 16 Scott Moffat

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Attendance: 19,518