Liverpool Reserves 2-3 Everton Reserves

Liverpool Reserves lost for the third league match in succession after letting a two-goal lead slip against Everton on Tuesday.

Goals from Jordy Brouwer and Gerardo Bruna in a frantic second half were overturned in dramatic style as Everton fought back through a James Vaughan brace and Lee Molyneux free kick to win the mini-Merseyside derby, played in Warrington.

After a first half void of chances the Reds took the lead on 55 minutes when Jay Spearing’s weak effort was fumbled by Carlo Nash and forced home by Brouwer. The lead was doubled in spectacular fashion ten minutes later, when Bruna lashed in a free kick from close to the corner flag.

Vaughan headed in from close range for the visitors to halve the deficit with just over 20 minutes remaining. Molyneux curled home a superb free kick for the equaliser just three minutes later. Then with ten minutes to go, Anichebe played in Vaughan who got to the ball before an unconvincing Bouzanis to get his second to snatch a dramatic win.

Player Review:

Dean Bouzanis (GK): Restored to the side continuing Ablett’s goalkeeper rotation policy; Bouzanis had a disappointing night, in particular for his part in Everton’s third. 4/10

Stephen Darby (RB): After being booked early on after a late tackle Darby remained as committed to the challenge as ever but was missing as Everton’s goals flew in. 6/10

Mikel San Jose (CB): The Spaniard was having a fine game until the fight back began and was left wanting, like the rest of Liverpool’s back line as the Toffees left them stunned. 5/10

Robert Huth (CB): Like his central defensive partner, Huth was keeping Anichebe and Vaughan quiet until the late collapse. 6/10

Emiliano Insua (LB): Insua’s performance was much improved from recent weeks but, like Darby on the opposite side, was missing as the visitors turned the game around. 6/10

Gerardo Bruna (RM): sub 80. Despite his quality free kick, Bruna was generally guilty of overplaying at times instead of laying the ball off when well placed. 6/10

Jay Spearing (CM): It was another all-action performance from the Scouser who was at the centre of all the Reds’ good play. 8/10

Damien Plessis (CM): As the apparent link between Liverpool’s back four and the midfield, Plessis should be disappointed in being missing for Everton’s comeback and it was another ineffective and off-key showing for a player who has been on the verge of a first team run. 5/10

Francisco Duran (LM): Showed quality touches and range of passing but unsurprisingly, after his year-long layoff, looked off the pace at times. 8/10

Dani Pacheco (ST): Like Bruna, Pacheco often tried to do too much on the ball with unnecessary touches. Almost made it 3-3 in the dying seconds with mesmeric skill and has much more to offer in the future. 6/10

Jordy Brouwer (ST): The Dutchman seemingly has no chance of making a first team push but certainly knows where the goal is at this level. He had a quiet game but that’s two in two for him this season. 7/10

SUB Ryan Flynn (RM): on 80. The Scot had no real impact on the game, not helped by coming on when the Everton comeback was in full flight. N/A

Unused Subs: Peter Gulacsi, Martin Kelly, Steven Irwin, Daniel Ayala.

Their next match is against Manchester City on November 3.

League Tables:

Written by Michael McGuinness