Latics the better side but Reds progress to Final

WIGAN ATHLETIC RESERVES 0

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
Dalla Valle 62
Pacheco 88

LFA Senior Challenge Semi-Final, Robin Park Arena, 17/03/10

Goals from Lauri Dalla Valle and Daniel Pacheco saw Liverpool progress to the LFA Senior Cup Final, despite the best efforts of Graham Barrow's men.

With a number of senior players in the line-up including Vladimir Stojkovic, Antonio Amaya and Steve Gohouri Latics were the better side for the majority of the game, but, unable to make the most of their chances, ended up on the losing side.

It was good to see Gohouri back in action after suffering a hamstring injury and the Ivorian defender played well at the back, displaying strength, pace and determination.

Rachid Bouaouzan was in fine form showing great close control and looking to attack the Liverpool back-line at every opportunity. The Dutchman came closet to getting on the scoresheet for Latics mid-way through the first-half, pouncing on a defensive mistake and bending his shot to the far right corner only to see it hit the outside of the post.

Time after time the home side found themselves in promising advanced positions but were lacking conviction and composure in and around the area.

After the game Barrow gave his verdict:

"I thought the best side lost to be honest," said Barrow.

"We continued the good work shown against Burnley last week but just couldn't take our chances. But I'm happy with the performance and we'll take it into the next game against Everton."

Liverpool's opener came on the hour-mark when Dalla Valle headed home from a corner before Pacheco wrapped things up minutes before the end, drilling into the bottom left-corner.

Latics: Stojkovic; Redmond, Amaya, Gohouri, Mustoe; Routledge (Breeze, 68), Holt; Cywka, McManaman, Bouaouzan; Kupisz (Buxton, 66)

Subs: Nicholls, Morris, Serrano