retired_provrb7

Moro Double Against Pompey
Tuesday 28th December 2004

A very wet and cold day up at Anfield saw Liverpool continue their run towards the league title. Liverpool controlled the game from the off and 13 minutes in Alonso had a good free kick go wide from 25 yards. 5 minutes later he found Partridge on the right who tried a shot from the edge of the box but Hislop did well to tip it over. Sinama set Partridge up with a half volley from 25 yards just minutes later but it hits the side netting. Good defending saw Liverpool controlling the game and the Portsmouth players found it hard to find space. All that was missing was a goal for Liverpool.

Morientes came on for Sinama at half time who seemed to have picked up a small knock and just minutes later he had a chance on goal. Partridge's cornor found him by the near post but again Hislop was equal to it. Portsmouth only had Yakubu up top but he never got a look in as Liverpool spent most time in the Portsmouth half. Alonso had a good chance halfway in but his effort from outside the area went over the bar to Hislops relief. 70 minutes gone and Alonso got in a cross from the left and Morientes headed it towards goal but it went flying over the bar. Leaving it late but the goal came, Kewell's substitute Foy got clear down the left flank and he centred it to Morientes who headed it down to the left post and it crept in past Hislop. 7 minutes from time Morientes got another chance in the box, he received a pass from Partridge and his shot on the edge of the 6 yard box was save well by Hislop. Portsmouth were however going to get one chance to score at Anfield when LuaLua set up Anderson in the box whilst on the counter but his shot went wide of the left post. 2 minutes from 90 minutes Morientes nicked the ball off Stefanovic and set up Alonso who curled a shot from 30 yards, but Hislop got down and punched it clear with a brilliant save. In extra time Portsmouth tried a cheeky one and pushed players forward to get an equalizer but it seems to backfire. Riise found Foy down the left flank and a 3 against 2 opportunity arises but he goes himself towards goal but his low shot was saved by Hislop. 1.33 had gone of the 2 minutes of extra time and Morientes nails shut the coffin. Partridges fine cross from the right found 'El Moro' free in the box and he shot first time hard and low and Hislop was rooted to the line.

Premiership
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 2 Morientes 78 90
Portsmouth
MOM - Morientes
Att: 40324

(4-1-4-1); Dudek; Josemi, Carra, Pellegrino, Riise; Biscan; Partridge, Alonso, Welsh, Kewell; Sinama

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REDS SIGN NORWEIGAN STARLETS
Saturday 1st January 2005

Liverpool today confirmed that there are two norweigan additions to the club. Magnus Myklebust and Lasse Staw join from Lillestrom and Fredrikstad respectively. The transfer window opened this morning and the two new players are to be introduced at the next home game against Man City in three days.

"I am happy to have signed these two very promising players from Norway." said a pleased Taylor after the deals been done but he promised there would be more before the window closed. "Magnus is a very quick striker and I am very confident he'll develope here. Lasse on the other hand is a very promising goalkeeper and can as soon as next year be challenging for a spot even thou he only turned 17 today"

Magnus Myklebust started his career in Hodd scoring a total of 12 goals in 32 appearences in his first debut season at the tender age of 15. The season after he only managed to notch 2 in 17 following some injuries. Third season in Hodd he hit his peak and scored an excellent 16 in 25 and that also sealed a deal to Lillestrom before the Norweigan season. He only managed 2 appearences for Lillestrom before Liverpool snapped him up for £55k but he did score in both. He has yet to be capped for Norway but will be looking to get in as soon as possible.

Lasse Staw is a product of the Fredrikstad academy and only had his debut this year. He managed to play 14 appearences before leaving for the prospect of playing for Liverpool. His fee is reported to be around £210k.

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Reds Edge Magpies As Finnan Scores First
Saturday 1st January 2005

A very even game saw Liverpool just edge off Newcastle thanks to a super performance from Dudek. The game started brightly and after a Newcastle cornor Liverpool countered via Gerrard down the right, he found Garcia outside the box who tried a shot but it sailed high and wide. 10 minutes in and Liverpool have started best, Kewell found Cisse running down the left, his cross found Gerrard at the penalty spot and he saw his shot hit the bar. Should of been 1-0. Quater of an hour gone and Newcastle's first chance came after Simunic's cross found Ameobi in the box but his header is save brilliantly by Dudek. 5 minutes later it was Liverpool's chance again, Kewell found Cisse again dow the left, he drilled along the byline into the box and cut back for Kewell, but his shot is saved by Given. But the first goal was to be Newcastle's. Robert won the ball off Garcia and found Kluivert in the Liverpool half, he then thread it through for Ameobi who shot right into the top left cornor, even thou Dudek was on it he could'nt keep it out, 1-0. Half an hour gone and Newcastle were buzzing, Robert's cross found Faye in the box but his header was saved by the brilliant Dudek.

The second half started good from a Liverpool point of view, Partridge crossed near post for Cisse who took his chance brilliantly, 1-1. 10 minutes in and Jenas's shot from outside the box went wide. Substitute Morientes looked to get onto Finnan's cross but Given again denies a Liverpool lead. A couple of minutes later Partridge had a free kick saved well by Given from 25 yards, Boumsong cleared for a throw in on the left. Hamann recieved it off Biscan, crossed ot the far post and Finnan's header crept past Given to give Liverpool the lead and Finnan's first goal in 2 years and for Liverpool, all the players come over to congratulate him. 10 minutes from the end and substitute Chopra was played through by Kluivert, his shot deflected off Traore but Dudek was there to save it brilliantly again. Morientes was given a chance to score shortly afterwards after a Partridge cornor but Given saved again! 4 minutes later Given had to be called into action again when Gerrard put Morientes clear on goal but Given smothered the ball. The match ended and in the end it was two great goalkeeper displays with Dudek being the best.

Premiership
St. James's Park, Newcastle
Newcastle 1 Ameobi 25
Liverpool 2 Cisse 45, Finnan 73
MOM - Dudek
Att: 52168

(4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Pellegrino, Hyypia, Traore; Biscan; Garcia, Hamann, Gerrard, Kewell; Cisse

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WELSH U21 STAR SIGNS FOR 'POOL
Monday 3rd January 2005

Liverpool yet again look set to boolster their youth talent with West Brom boy Rob Davis. 17 year old midfielder Davis made his debut for the Welsh U21's earlier in the year and is touted to be a promising prospect. He did'nt make an appearence for Albion but he is now set for the red shirt for a price around £325k.

"I've personally seen Davis play for Wales and he is very good for his age. He likes to play down the middle and has good understanding of the game and also shows compassion on the pitch. I think he will do well for us in the future", said Reds manager Daniel Taylor ahead of the Man City clash this evening.

retired_britty

Can I vote for the "Best Newcomer" already? I'm really enjoying this Justified, and I usually get bored of big-club stories. Here's hoping you can recreate Liverpool's European form (and improve on the domestic).

retired_provrb7

REDS SCORE THREE AGAINST CITEH
Monday 3rd January 2005

Liverpool were to show their class by giving City a tough time at 'Fort Anfield'. Gerrard was to be given the first opportunity in the first opening minutes. Kewell's cross found the Liverpool skipper in the six yard box but his half volley went well wide and he dropped to the groud as we all knew it was a golden opportunity to score. Cisse got Liverpool's next chance to score when Gerrard found Kewell out wide, the Aussie found Cisse at the near post but first James saved it and then it went off the post. James again showed his authority when he smothered a shot from Cisse inside the box with 20 minutes gone. Shortly after Kewell got fouled outside the box by Bosvelt and Alonso's free kick hit the side netting. Biscan's chance 7 minutes before halftime was to be Liverpool's last and his long range effort was punched out by James.

Cisse came off for Morientes at halftime to add another type of threat up front. 3 minutes in and Kewell drifted in fron the left, was given space, but his shot went high and wide. Partridge was given a chance on a free kick with 6 minutes gone after Bosvelt again fouled Kewell but his effort is wide. Morientes only needed 15 minutes to put Liverpool in front. Partridge ran down the right, crossed to the near post where the big spaniard won a header against Dunne and Liverpool were infront. 5 minutes later Partridge again was given a chance with a free kick after Distan had handled the ball outside the area but Partridge's effort was a disgrace. A minute later Alonso looked for Partridge in the box, the pass deflected off Barton but found itself to the young Irish lad who struck it but again wide. Morientes won a free kick after he'd been fouled by Dunne after 70 minutes, Riise took it to the far post, Morientes won another header against Dunne and it was 2-0! Dunne just could'nt handle Morientes. Couple of minutes after the goal Morientes tee'd up Alonso out side the box, Alonso hit it on the volley but great save by James. 10 minutes from full time Riise tried a free kick from a rediculous angle and as anticipated it went wide. There was to be one more goal before the final whistle and it fell to Gerrard who was set up by Riise outside the box, his 25 yard shot deflected off Bischoff and the skipper scores his 5th of the season!

Premiership
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 3 Morientes 60 69, Gerrard 89
Man City 0
MOM - Kewell
Att: 45326

(4-1-4-1); Dudek; Josemi, Pellegrino, Hyypia, Riise; Biscan; Garcia, Alonso, Gerrard, Kewell; Cisse

retired_provrb7

Cheers for that, really helps me "chuck more wood in the burner" so to speak :thup:

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Plymouth Dumped Out Of FA Cup
Saturday 8th January 2005

Liverpool could'nt ask for an easier opponent in the FA Cup third round as they entertained Plymouth at home. Alot of first teamers were asked to rest with the big League Cup semi finals against Man Utd around the cornor. It took 7 minutes for Liverpool to get their first chance through Morientes who was starting this evening, Foy found him inside the box and he turned very well on the ball but his effort was high and wide. A minute later Morientes should of scored, he got free of all the defenders, bore down on goal but his effort went into the Kop, terrible shot by Morientes. But it was another regular sub who opened up the scoring, Welsh played a one-two with Foy, crossed for Morientes, he elegantly controls the ball, lays it back out on the right for Welsh, he crosses from the byeline into the six yard box, it met Partridge's head and he scored from the very tight angle after just 12 minutes. Morientes was to score his 10th of the season when Biscan pinged a lovely 40 yard pass down the flank for Partridge, he centered it, El Moro dived on it and it went off the post, 2-0! 7 minutes from time and Plymouth goalkeeper McCormick was called into action when Partridge found Foy on the far post but McCormick got down well to turn it behind for a cornor.

After halftime Liverpool were caught sleeping as Evans got past Traore down the left and he cut back for Buzsaky but he struck it too hard and it almost flew out of the Stadium. 70 minutes in and two substitutes combined to get the next Liverpool chance, Hitchin's cornor found Noon in the box, Noon got above Doumbe and powered it towards goal but it just went over from the U18 star. 15 minutes left and Traore found Noon with a long ball down the left, Noon got past Coughlan, found Welsh in the six yard box but Welsh put it wide. 2 minutes from time and Pellegrino fancied his chances from a free kick. Hodges had fouled Partridge but Pellegrino's free kick went flying over the bar.

FA Cup Third Round
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 2 Partridge 12, Morientes 21
Plymouth 0
MOM - Partridge
Att: 41216

(4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Pellegrino, Woods, Traore; Biscan; Foy, Welsh, Kelly, Partridge; Morientes

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REDS SIGN CAGLIARI STAR
Tuesday 11th January 2005

Liverpool have decided to splash some cash on Mauro Esposito from Cagliari. The wideman had been making some big headlines in Italy and was chased by Dortmund, Inter and Milan but he decided to opt for England and Liverpool. "Gianfranco Zola who plays at Cagliari said to me that football in Italy is very good and I am a big admirer of Zola and now I want to become as big as he was at Chelsea.", Esposito told Sky Sports. "I will probably return to Italy one day and hopefully play for my boy hood club Udinese", he continued.

"I am very pleased to have gotten Esposito to Liverpool. I was'nt really going to sign any big names until after the season but when Dortmund, Inter and Milan started bidding for him I had to dive in aswell.", Taylor said about his new signing. "He is one of the best wingers in Italy and I hope he starts grabbing caps for Italy."

The 25-year-old Italian started his career at the age of 17 in Pescara and debuted in the 97/98 season and earned 9 appearences. The season after he played a whole season and scored 12 goals. With that he went to his boy hood favorite club Udinese but never broke into the first team and only managed to get 9 games in one and a half seasons for the Serie A Club and then went back to Pescara at the age of 21 and played half a season. Season 01/02 Cagliari bought him and helped the club get into Serie A last season and managed to get 129 appearences in 3 and half season and managed 43 goals during his time there.

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Saha's Late Goal Keeps League Cup Final Hope Alive
Wednesday 12th January 2005

New boy Esposito was to make his debut follwing his move from Cagliari against one of the best teams in England. Hamann is the one who takes to the bench instead of the Italian.
The game started at rapid pace and it was coast to coast stuff without any finished on goal. It was Esposito who got the first chance of the game 19 minutes in, Garcia found Cisse upfront, Cisse thread it through to Esposito but his shot went clean over. But with half an hour gone the ball was in the United net. Cisse got the ball off Kewell inside the box and he bore down on Caroll and slipped it past him and Old Trafford went dead quite. 5 minutes later Cisse was given the chance to make it two goals up but his bent effort from range was saved well by Caroll. Before halftime United were to get their first chance on goal, Scholes found Fletcher in the box, he fired a half volley but is effort was way off target.

Hamann was to come on at halftime as Liverpool looked to add more tackles in the central midfield. A couple of minutes in Cisse found Kewell down the left, he crossed to the near post where Gerrard got above Heinze, but his header went over the bar. 10 minutes in and another Liverpool chance, Alonso found Cisse up top, he one touch passed to Kewell, he dribbled past Neville and rifled a shot towards goal but Caroll saved well. 70 minutes in and United's second chance arised, Ronaldo easily got past Pellegrino and centred the ball to Scholes, he tried a shot from a tricky angle but it went over the bar. 5 minutes later Rooney's replacement Saha got played into the box by O'Shea, Saha won a header against Finnan and Dudek saved brilliantly. 3 minutes later Gerrard got onto Ferdinands clearence and tried to bend it in but it went wide of the mark. 8 minutes from time and Saha had gotten past Finnan on the right, he centred the ball, but it curved towards goal and Dudek had to tip it over the bar! But there was to be another twist in the Liverpool fairy tale, Scholes played a beautiful ball through to Saha who was clean on goal and slipped it cooly past a helpless Dudek and United had equalized with 1 minute to go in extra time. But Rob Styles decided to take the opportunity and blow for full time.

Carling Cup Semi Final Leg 1
Old Trafford, Manchester
Manchester 1 Saha 90
Liverpool 1 Cisse 30
MOM - Scholes
Att: 67817

(4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Pellegrino, Hyypia, Traore; Alonso; Esposito, Gerrard, Garcia, Kewell; Cisse