Liverpool deservedly clinched the FA Youth Cup for the third
time but eventually required spot-kicks to overcome Manchester
United at Old Trafford.
Trailing from the home leg, Steve Heighway's men were the better
side throughout and hauled themselves level on aggregate thanks to
Robbie Threlfall's 55th-minute strike.
Despite hitting the post twice, the Merseysiders were unable to
force a winner but still emerged triumphant in front of new
co-owner George Gillett, netting all four of their penalties, while
Magnus Eikrem and skipper Sam Hewson missed for United.
It was only the second time in the prestigious tournament's 55-year
history the outcome was decided by penalties.
On the previous occasion, Phil Neville skippered United to victory
against Spurs but this time, with Sir Alex Ferguson watching on,
the Red Devils were denied in front of a 24,347 crowd.
Liverpool never gave the impression they felt out of the contest,
although the lack of a cutting edge in attack spoiled some good
approach play.
United were happy to use the pace of Febian Brandy and Daniel
Wellbeck on the counter-attack, both of whom failed to find the
target with half-chances.
It was not until the second-half the game really got going
though.
Brandy wasted an excellent opportunity to tie up ultimate victory
when he found himself clean through on the visitors' goal, only to
roll his shot straight at David Roberts.
Liverpool responded to the let-off in positive fashion and after
Ron-Robert Zieler had done well to turn Craig Lindfield's shot onto
the post, Ryan Flynn belted the rebound over.
The goal the Merseysiders craved arrived not long afterwards
though, with Threlfall finding the net in clinical fashion, shaking
off the memory of his nightmare own goal in the first leg last
week.
Liverpool just about stayed on top for the remainder of the 90
minutes, aided by the exit of Wellbeck, who limped off midway
through the half.
But the visitors were made to wait until extra-time for their next
clear sight of goal as Lindfield beat Zieler with an angled drive
that bounced back off the post.
Lindfield then scooped a far-post effort badly over from Jimmy
Ryan's corner before United launched an increasingly rare raid on
the Liverpool goal where Brandy's acrobatic effort brought a good
save out of Roberts.
Both sides were tiring badly at the end, so it was little surprise
the outcome was decided on spot-kicks, where Liverpool's nerve
held.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2090835,00.html
Yay! 
