Gerrard returns at Tranmere
Steven Gerrard stepped from the courtroom straight into a surprise
appearance for Liverpool's reserves on Friday - and then scored a
trademark goal.
The Liverpool skipper was at Prenton Park for a friendly against
Tranmere just hours after being found not guilty on a charge of
affray in a high-profile court case.
Gerrard was part of a very youthful Liverpool side, who fell behind
to a Chris Shuker goal just before half-time.
But before being substituted after 63 minutes, Gerrard blasted a
fine equaliser with a low drive from outside the box.
Gerrard's trial had lasted a week and forced him to miss
Liverpool's Far East pre-season tour.
His lack of fitness and match practice meant that it was decided he
should play against Tranmere, and his presence generated a healthy
crowd for the Birkenhead club.
But just 13 minutes after his departure, Tranmere took the lead
again with a header from defender Gareth Edds.
Liverpool hit back with a penalty equaliser in injury-time when
former Anfield youngster John Welsh brought down Adam Hammill in
the box, with the 21-year-old substitute getting up to score from
the spot himself.