Barrow's babes seal win with second-half comeback

WIGAN ATHLETIC RESERVES 3
Rugg 46
Kupisz 66
Redmond 68

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
Bruna (pen) 27
Kohlert 81

A stunning second-half fightback saw Latics come from a goal behind to defeat Liverpool and stretch their unbeaten run to four games, ending the Reds' 16-match record in the process.

Without a number of regular key players who had been loaned out over the previous weeks, Graham Barrow's young side showed superb maturity and team-spirit to score three times during the second 45 minutes, out-manoeuvring their opponents and playing with a greater desire to win.

Gerardo Bruna had put the visitors ahead via a penalty in the opening half-hour, but rather than inspire Liverpool it served only to strengthen Latics who came out after the break with all guns blazing.

Jordan Rugg, on as a substitute took just 30 seconds to make an impact pouncing on the ball inside the six-yard box to fire home after Peter Gulacsi had denied Callum McManaman and Daniel Redmond.

McManaman's contribution throughout the night was magnificent. Playing a deeper role than usual the midfielder covered every blade of grass in hunting down the ball and brining the team forward with real threat through the middle. His weaving run in the first-half had the Liverpool defence turned inside-out and almost brought him a well-earned goal.

Rugg, after his strike, had more in store and turned provider after the hour-mark, flicking the ball past Alexander Cooper and squaring to Tomasz Kupisz inside the area for the pole to hammer into the back of the net from close range.

Together the pair formed a dangerous partnership combining their strength and pace to break down the opposition's defence on more than one occasion and getting the rewards they deserved.

Barrow's babes were flying, playing with a confident swagger, spreading the play from left to right and not letting Liverpool near the ball.

The midfield combo of Jonathan Breeze, Callum Morris and McManaman played a pivotal role in this and together made the team click. Breeze and Morris were given the opportunity to shine, promoted from the youth team and did themselves proud.

Abian Serrano was later introduced into the midfield and settled in as though he had been on from the start.

The Spaniard played a big part in Latics' third strike, playing a lovely weighted ball to Kupisz on the right whose ball across the face of the goal found Redmond at the back-post. The winger had another fantastic night up and down the left-wing, tracking back to make crucial tackles and using the ball cleverly in possession.

Checking back inside he took two defenders out of the equation and calmly stroked the ball past the Liverpool to make it 3-1 and effectively seal the win.

Nicolaj Kohlert's late strike threatened a comeback from the away side but resilient defending and wise goalkeeping from Lee Nicholls meant Barrow, his team and the watching Roberto Martinez were able to toast a fantastic night.

Latics: Nicholls; Crane (Serrano, 67), Buxton, Mustoe, Redmond; Breeze, McManaman; Kupisz, Morris, Boothman; Jukes (Rugg, 46 (Willis, 84))

Subs: Hare, Girvan