Kids

Match Reports

Welcome to the area of Liverpoolfc.tv where our younger fans have the chance to show off their writing skills.

After every home game this season we'll be asking supporters up to the age of 13 to send us match reports in approximately 50 words - and then have them published on the club's official website.

There may just be a few star journalists of the future appearing on this page....

LIVERPOOL 1-1 SUNDERLAND
AUGUST 13, 2011

Luis Suarez was made to rue missing an early penalty as Sebastian Larsson's stunning debut goal for Sunderland earned the Black Cats a point at Anfield. The game's main talking-point came after only seven minutes when Suarez blocked a clearance from Kieran Richardson and raced through on goal only to be tripped by the Sunderland defender. As Anfield waited for Richardson to be shown the red card, there was a feeling of disbelief as Phil Dowd only gave the former Manchester United player a yellow card. There was even more disbelief as Suarez skied the penalty way over the bar. Liverpool's No.7, however, scored the first premier league goal of the season five minutes later, as he stooped to head in debutant Charlie Adam's free kick. Liverpool had a goal unfortunately disallowed when Andy Carroll was judged to have pushed Anton Ferdinand before hammering the ball home. Another LFC debutant, Stewart Downing, came within inches of a memorable first goal of Liverpool as he cut in from the right and thumped a shot which crashed off the crossbar. Liverpool couldn't increase their lead and were punished in spectacular fashion after the break. Sebastian Larsson, one of Sunderland's summer signings from Birmingham City, scored with a stunning scissor-kick volley with ultimately earned Steve Bruce's men a share of the spoils. Liverpool had to settle for a point on the opening day when they deserved much more.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 3-1 BOLTON
AUGUST 27, 2011

Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam both scored their first goals for Liverpool as Bolton were put to the sword at Anfield. Liverpool took the lead on 15 minutes. Stewart Downing forced Jussi Jaaskelainen into making a fantastic save before Dirk Kuyt set up Henderson, who's first shot was blocked but his second flew into the top corner for his first goal since his £20 million move from Sunderland this summer. Bolton almost hit back immediately, as Martin Petrov volleyed Chris Eagles cross towards goal but Reina palmed it away. Bolton were being ripped apart by Liverpool's passing and movement and perhaps should have conceded a penalty when Adam's ambitious pass found Downing who attempted to get past Steinsson who blocked the ball with his hand. Referee Lee Probert gave a free-kick instead. Liverpool were ruthless after the break and quickly extended their lead. Adam's vicious corner was meet by a thumping header from Martin Skrtel for his first goal of the season and less than 60 seconds later, Adam was on the score-sheet himself. Kuyt found Adam on the edge of the box and the Scottish international took a touch before fired a right-footed shot into the corner for his first Liverpool goal. Liverpool were dominant throughout but Bolton got a consolation as Carragher's uncharacteristic error was capitalised on Ivan Klasnić for his third goal in as many league games. Liverpool's seven points from nine represent their best start to a season for 17 years..
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 2-1 WOLVES
SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

Liverpool climbed up to fifth place in the Barclays Premier League table after they beat Wolves 2-1 at Anfield and stopped a run of two successive defeats. Wolves won 1-0 at Anfield last season but there was to be no repeat after Charlie Adam's ferocious drive was deflected into his own net by the Wolves captain, Roger Johnson, to put Liverpool in front. Liverpool's forward partnership of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez were causing Wolves all sorts of problems and it was the Uruguayan international who doubled Liverpool's lead just before half-time. Jose Enrique's superb pass over the top was collected by Suarez who twisted Christophe Berra inside-out before blasting past Wayne Hennessey in the Wolves goal. It was Suarez's fourth goal of the season. Suarez could have scored again before the break but his poked effort rolled just wide of the post. Wolves started the second half well and pulled a goal back through Steven Fletcher. The Scotsman smashed a shot into the roof of the net after Liverpool failed to clear their lines. However, as soon as Wolves pulled one back, Liverpool should have scored a third goal but Hennessey did well to deny Suarez. Andy Carroll then came agonisingly close to opening his league account for Liverpool this season as his close range header smashed against the post and came out. Steven Gerrard almost announced his return from injury with a stunning goal but his effort flew wide and Liverpool held on for the win. Liverpool's next game is the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 1-1 MAN UNITED
OCTOBER 24, 2011

Steven Gerrard marked his return to action with a wonderfully taken free-kick but it wasn't enough to earn Liverpool a deserved victory against Manchester United. The Reds were looking for their fourth Anfield win in a row against United but it was the Red Devils who made the brighter start and should have taken the lead through Phil Jones. The young Utd defender met a Patrice Evra cross but could only find the side netting. The first half was remarkably tight until Liverpool's Luis Suarez brought the game into life. Liverpool's number seven latched onto a Charlie Adam shot and twisted Rio Ferdinand inside out before stinging the palms of David De Gea in the United goal. The second half proved to be a much more open game. Ashley Young forced a save from Pepe Reina and Liverpool were denied a penalty when Jonny Evans handled in the area. On 68 minutes, Liverpool broke the deadlock. Ferdinand fouled Adam to hand Liverpool a free-kick on the edge of the area and Gerrard stepped up to curl the ball through the wall and into the Kop End net to spark scenes of wild celebration at Anfield. However, with nine minutes to go, United stole an undeserved point. A corner was flicked on and Javier Hernandez used his predatory instincts to flash a header past Reina. The goal meant that Liverpool are still looking for their first clean-sheet at Anfield this season. Liverpool continued to press and had good chances through Kuyt and Henderson but had to settle for a point.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 1-1 NORWICH CITY
OCTOBER 22, 2011

Liverpool were punished for wasting chances as Premier League new-boys Norwich City took a point from Anfield. Liverpool started the game brightly and were unfortunate not to go in front as Martin Skrtel's header crashed off the crossbar in only the second minute. After that it was the Luis Suarez show as Liverpool's number seven was involved in all of the main action. Firstly, shooting narrowly wide after turning neatly on the edge of the box and then seeing a goal bound effort brilliantly tipped onto the post by John Ruddy in the Norwich goal. Norwich survived the Red storm and began to create chances with Wes Hoolahan, Steve Morison and Elliot Bennett all forcing Pepe Reina into making saves. Just as the game seemed destined to be goalless at half-time, Liverpool scored the opener. A long ball downfield was eventually taken under control by Craig Bellamy, who slid the ball past Ruddy for his first Premier League goal since re-joining the Reds in the summer. Liverpool began the second half seeking to double their advantage and only the post denied them as Suarez saw another effort rebound back off the woodwork. Norwich capitalised on Liverpool's poor finishing as they snatched an equaliser on the hour mark. Charlie Adam lost possession and Anthony Pilkington crossed for Grant Holt to score an opportunist header at the Kop End. It was Holt's 55th goal in 100 games for Norwich and if it wasn't for Reina's point blank save, the No.9 would have scored again. With the game drawing to a close, Liverpool had chances to win it. Firstly, Steven Gerrard's searching cross was met by Andy Carroll six yards out but somehow the England striker couldn't find the target and in the final minute, another Gerrard cross found a Liverpool striker but Suarez's volley was brilliantly saved by Ruddy as Norwich earned a deserved point.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 0-0 SWANSEA CITY
NOVEMBER 5, 2011

Liverpool were left frustrated again as they were held to a third consecutive Anfield draw, as newly-promoted Swansea earned a point with a solid display. Another newly-promoted team, Norwich, also went home with a point from Anfield in October so Liverpool started the game knowing that they couldn't afford to drop points again with the teams around them in good form and they should have taken the lead after only seven minutes. Stewart Downing's fizzing cross from the left was met by Andy Carroll, but Liverpool's number nine somehow hit the crossbar from six yards out, with the goal gaping. Swansea have lit up the Barclays Premier League this season with their brand of attractive, passing football and began to create chances themselves. Wayne Routledge swung in a cross from the left that just evaded Swans striker Danny Graham and forced Reina to make a fine diving save. Less than a minute later Swans 'keeper Michel Vorm, who has been in fantastic form this season, made a stunning save to deny Luis Suarez opening the scoring. Downing also went close for Liverpool but game was goalless at the break. After half-time, Swansea dominated possession and had several chances to try and earn a memorable first ever premier league away win but they failed to break the deadlock. Graham was twice denied by Reina's sharp reflexes before Mark Gower blazed over with a chance that was easier to score from. Swansea thought that they would be made to rue those missed chances when Dirk Kuyt heading in but Sian Massey was quick to raise her flag and rule the goal offside. The final chances of the game fell to the Reds. First, Suarez's curling effort was dramatically tipped away by Vorm before the Dutch international made a wonder save to deny Glen Johnson a fantastic winner.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 1-1 MANCHESTER CITY
NOVEMBER 27, 2011

For the fourth game in a row at Anfield, Liverpool were denied a late winner by a wonder save from the opposing goalkeeper. This time, that man was Joe Hart who earned Manchester City a scarcely deserved point. Before the game, both Liverpool and City paid their respects to both Luca Jones, son of LFC goalkeeper Brad, who sadly lost his battle with leukaemia a few weeks earlier and Gary Speed, the manager of Wales, who had died earlier in the day. City started the game with more purpose, with Sergio Aguero and David Silva in the thick of the action and they could have opened the scoring after six minutes. Silva's corner found its way to Yaya Toure who lashed his effort over the bar. After early City dominance, Liverpool started to assert themselves. Glen Johnson and Stewart Downing both had openings but they couldn't find the killer touch. As the game appeared to even out, City took the lead. Silva's whipped corner was converted, with the use of his shoulder, by Vincent Kompany for his first goal of the season. This sparked Liverpool into life and they were level almost immediately. Charlie Adam's ambitious drive was comically turned into his own net by the former Everton man, Joleon Lescott. Minutes later, Adam would have put Liverpool in front had it not been for the excellent reflexes of Joe Hart to keep out the Scotland international. After the break, it was complete Liverpool domination. Kuyt, in search of his first league goal this season, headed an excellent chance wide and Downing's volley was tipped over by Hart. On 74 minutes, Lescott was extremely lucky not to be at fault for a second time as his clearance hit Dirk Kuyt twice. City's frustration at how they were being dominated was shown by substitute Mario Balotelli, who was sent off only 20 minutes after coming on. Shortly after Luis Suarez had another effort saved by Hart, City had the chance to win it. Edin Dzeko's burst down the left found Silva but the Spaniard was unusually wasteful when presented with the chance. In the third minute of stoppage time, Liverpool came agonisingly close to inflicting City's first league defeat of the season. Johnson's teasing ball into the box was firmly met by both Andy Carroll and Suarez but yet again Hart came to City's rescue to save them from defeat.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 1-0 QPR
DECEMBER 10, 2011

A well-taken goal early in the second half from Luis Suarez was enough to give Liverpool their first home win since September as they overcame a stubborn QPR side. Before the game, the Reds had been held to four successive draws at Anfield which had seen them fall behind their rivals for a top four spot and Liverpool started with intent against their promoted opponents. Suarez was heavily involved throughout the game and had several opportunities. His first effort came early on but his header was straight at QPR 'keeper Radek Cerny. Suarez had other opportunities to score as he fired somehow fired between Cerny and the post, across the face of goal and then failed to pick out a team-mate with another ball across the six-yard box. Promoted teams Norwich and Swansea have already left Anfield with a point this season and the Reds could have feared it would be the same again as string of fine Cerny saves kept them out. QPR's third choice 'keeper made saves from Maxi Rodriguez, Suarez and Stewart Downing as the half drew to a close. Liverpool's dominance was finally rewarded two minutes after half-time. Charlie Adam's in-swinging cross was headed into the back of the net by Suarez for his fifth premier league goal of the season. Liverpool continued to dominant but yet again, the opposition 'keeper had a stunning game at Anfield as Cerny somehow diverted Maxi's effort onto the post and provided an excellent stop to deny the Argentine minutes later. The closest that QPR came to an undeserved point came through Danny Gabbidon's close range miss. Liverpool were unlucky not to increase their lead especially when Shaun Wright-Phillips hit his own crossbar from a Craig Bellamy cross. It was the 15th time that Liverpool have hit the woodwork this season.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 1-1 BLACKBURN
DECEMBER 26, 2011

As the final whistle blew at Anfield, there was an air of disbelief as Liverpool had to settle for a point against the Premier League's bottom club, Blackburn Rovers. It was Liverpool's sixth home league draw this season which leaves them three points of fourth place. Liverpool started the game the stronger of the two teams but had to wait until 27 minutes to get their first chance. Jose Enrique's cross was knocked down to Andy Carroll but the striker couldn't beat Rovers 'keeper, Mark Bunn from close range. However, after all Liverpool's first half domination, it was Blackburn who were in front at half time. Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner seemed to have been turned in by Mauro Formica but, on closer inspection, it was an unfortunate own goal by Charlie Adam. Liverpool had to score to avoid an embarrassing defeat and they equalised on 53 minutes. A corner eventually fell to Marin Skrtel who lobbed the ball to the far post for Maxi Rodriguez to head in his fourth goal of the season. After that, it was complete Liverpool domination as they looked for only a fourth Anfield league win this season. The introduction of skipper Steven Gerrard off the bench further spurred the Reds on and Gerrard immediately created a chance for Maxi but the Argentine headed over when it seemed easier to score. Despite Liverpool's dominance, Blackburn nearly snatched an unlikely winner. David Dunn ran onto a loose ball and looked set to score, until his own teammate, Yakubu, blocked his run to goal and Dunn fired wide. Chances kept coming for Liverpool as Carroll headed wide and Stewart Downing's header was kept out by Bunn as yet another visiting goalkeeper played a blinder at Anfield. As full-time approached, two miraculous interventions denied Liverpool victory. Firstly, Carroll's right foot volley was incredibly turned around the post by Bunn and from the resulting corner; Daniel Agger's header was hacked off the line by 17-year-old Adam Henley on his Premier League debut for Blackburn.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 3-1 NEWCASTLE
DECEMBER 30, 2011

After two successive draws against lowly Wigan and Blackburn, Liverpool got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against Newcastle United. The pre-match focus was on former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll but it was another former Magpie, Craig Bellamy, who stole the show with two goals. There was also an inspirational return for Captain Steven Gerrard, who netted the third after coming on as a second-half substitute. The first 20 minutes offered little in the way of entertainment, with the highlight being a 30-yard strike from Charlie Adam which flew over the bar. It was a tight opening until Newcastle took the lead on 25 minutes. Yohan Cabaye flicked on a cross which Daniel Agger turned into his own net, under pressure from Demba Ba. That goal sparked Liverpool into life and they equalised four minutes later. Persistent Liverpool pressure payed off as Adam's effort broke to Bellamy who smashed the ball into the corner of the Kop End net. Chances became rarer as the first-half wore on, although Martin Skrtel flashed a header wide. The second half began with Newcastle retaining possession without seriously threatening the Reds defence. However, the momentum changed as Gerrard made his entrance as a 59th minute substitute and the England international immediately dominated the action with several incisive passes and runs. Liverpool took the lead on 67 minutes. Agger won a free-kick about 30 yards out from goal and Bellamy somehow found a way through a crowd of bodies to score the second of the night and his fifth of the season. Newcastle didn't give up and almost equalised through Ba but Skrtel just managed to hack the ball away from underneath his own crossbar. Gerrard's influence on the game continued as he fired in several crosses towards Carroll, one of which Carroll met with a forceful header which came back off the bar. Gerrard's half-hour man-of-the-match display was completed with twelve minutes to go. Gerrard took on a pass from Jordan Henderson and managed to squeeze the ball through the legs of Newcastle 'keeper Tim Krul to end his and Liverpool's year on a high.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby

LIVERPOOL 0-0 STOKE CITY
JANUARY 14, 2012

A lack of creativity was to blame, according to Kenny Dalglish, after Liverpool had to settle for a point at Anfield for the seventh time this season after an uninspired display against Stoke City. Dalglish had made five changes from the team which won 1-0 at Manchester City in the League Cup on Wednesday night, which included Jose Enrique and Dirk Kuyt being restored to the starting eleven. The Reds have been guilty of wasting many chances this season and this was shown within the first ten minutes. Steven Gerrard's corner found its way to Charlie Adam but the Scottish international couldn't adjust his feet to put the ball in the back of the net. Stoke had beaten Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium earlier in the season but never looked likely to record a first ever win at Anfield, as a first half effort by Matthew Etherington, which was easily saved by Reina was all the Potters had to show for their attacking efforts. There were several close shaves for the Stoke defence as Adam and Glen Johnson just failed to control passes that would've put them through on goal but Jordan Henderson tested Stoke 'keeper Sorensen with Liverpool's only shot on target of the game. Liverpool were livelier in the second half and should've had at least one penalty. The introduction of Andy Carroll caused panic in the Stoke defence at a corner and Liverpool's number nine was wrestled to the ground by Stoke's Robert Huth. It was seen by everyone in the stadium but referee Howard Webb didn't give the spot kick. Minutes later, Carroll was pulled down again, this time by Ryan Shawcross and Kuyt was fouled by Jonathan Woodgate but, yet again, Webb left the Anfield crowd frustrated. On 77 minutes, Liverpool should have been celebrating the opening goal. Enrique's cross was deflected by Woodgate onto the head of Kuyt who unfortunately planted his diving header past the post. Kuyt had another chance to score his 50th league goal for Liverpool, five minutes later, but could only find the side netting with another header. One more chance fell to the Reds but Martin Skrtel's header bounced over the bar on another frustrating day for the Red half of Merseyside.
Christopher Coughlin (Official LFC Junior match reporter), Crosby