BA Sports Journalism student Joe Sargent was at Prenton Park to cover Liverpool’s 2-0 UEFA Youth League win over arch-rivals Manchester United.
First year student Joe, a lifelong Liverpool fan, was delighted to take his seat in the press-box for a match that pitted former Liverpool and United stars Steven Gerrard and Nicky Butt against each other as opposing U19 managers.
Media accreditation was arranged by Sports Journalism senior lecturer Paul Hassall, who used his contacts to help Joe gain valuable experience reporting from a live event.
Arrangements have also been made for Sports Journalism students to report live from Anfield and Old Trafford this season so students can develop skills in real-world situations while experiencing top level sports facilities.
Read Joe’s full match report below, filed on-the-whistle>>>
By Joe Sargent
Liverpool U19s defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Last 16 of the UEFA Youth League as Steven Gerrard outwitted Nicky Butt in the battle of the former England stars at Prenton Park.A first half goal from Welsh starlet Ben Woodburn and a second half strike from substitute Rafael Camacho secured a well-deserved win for the Reds.The Merseysider’s will now progress to a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with Manchester City next month as their impressive European campaign continued at the expense of their fierce rivals.Much was made of the presence of both Liverpool and United legends in the respective dugouts, but when the action got underway the focus was very much on the rising stars of the future.Liverpool dominated the early stages of the tie with captain Woodburn – who has featured on various occasions for Jurgen klopp’s first-team in the past 18 months – having the first chance for the Reds, but his snap shot was blocked by the powerful presence of centre back Tyrrell Warren.
The initial pressure eventually told for Gerrard’s outfit when Woodburn broke the deadlock 10 minutes in with a header from close range from a Neco Williams cross.
The host continued to dominate and skilful play by the Liverpool striker Liam Miller down the left flank resulted in a Woodburn strike over the bar just past the half hour.
Tahith Chong almost replied with the first chance for the Red Devils, but his curling effort came back off the woodwork after impressive work by Ethan Laird down the United right side.
Liverpool ended the half strongly and Elijah Dixon-Bonner thundered a long-distance effort past Alex Fojiticek in the 43rd minute, but his attempt came thundering back off the crossbar.
The second half started in an aggressive manner as United defender Warren escaped with just a yellow card for a late challenge on Miller, to the annoyance of Gerrard on the touchline.
There was a nervy moment for highly-rated Reds keeper Kamil Grabara after he was dispossessed by the pacey Josh Bohui, but the United striker could not capitalise on the mistake.
Winger Curtis Jones was then denied the opportunity to double the lead for the L4 boys after a fine save by Fojticek in the 62nd minute.
United kept pressing but Ro-Shaun Williams’ 69th-minute header from six yards out found the grateful arms of Grabara as United applied the pressure.
It proved to be the visitors’ last chance to turn the tie around as Liverpool substitute Camacho doubled the lead in 13 minutes from time with a wonderfully executed left-foot strike into the top left corner.
Woodburn had been Liverpool’s stand-out performer and with the game won, Gerrard afforded him a standing ovation in the final moments when he replaced the Reds’ talisman with Glen Mcauley.
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Featured image – Prenton Park by Samslipknot via Wikimedia Commons (CC)
