FA Youth Cup 2013

[Ollie 4,400]

We always seem to do well in the FA Cup and Youth Cup together don't we. The boys played very well today, dominated the 2nd half and the score was about right. Always sweet to score late too. The 2nd goal was excellent. When is the last time we lost at home in the youth cup?

[Blue Gino 377]

Great game just watched it - as recorded it

Some great saves in goal and our fitness looked brilliant really paid off in the last 10 mins! Credit to the coaching staff!

Nicely taken goals - lets smash them at home and get to the Final...

Really impressed with our youth !

Anybody doubting what @the only place to be & others have been saying about our bright future - needs to watch these guys

Roll on the future (a long time since I said that!)

I will believe in their chances of making the first team when current loanees actually return and contribute more than one match

[The only place to be 11,313]

Said to a mate before the first goal that we could be 3-0 up and nobody would say it wasn't a fair result. Liverpool had a few chances but we really did look in control for most of it. The most disappointing aspect will be the lack of a cutting edge in the final 20 yards, although Liverpool deserve some credit for defending so well.

Ultimately it was Lewis Baker having a dig from 25 yards out that led to the breakthrough, and Kiwonya took his goal superbly. He's gone from being someone who was purely a speed merchant to a player who can really contribute goals to the team. His second goal was even better and Walcott-esque.

Loftus-Cheek was back to his best absolutely bossing the midfield with a combination of Mikel-esque physicality (he shields the ball a lot like John Obi) and composure. Christensen was imperious in his normal centre-back position, bringing the ball out of defence well and hitting some nice long passes to the wings. His clearance off the line was fantastic as well.

Aina got forward well and managed to hit both posts with a shot from an acute angle. Baker again proved his worth to the team with a hard-working performance that started in the double pivot but became a more advanced role with the introduction of Swift. Bizarrely Boga spent the game on the left-wing which seemed a bit of a waste to be honest. Every time he got on the ball he looked to cut inside but he doesn't yet have that burst of acceleration that someone like Hazard uses to get away from defences. He seems to be better in tight situations running directly at players, and he showed that with his set-up for Kiwonya's second goal where he beat 4 players before taking out a fifth with the pass to Kiwomya.

Feruz worked hard but really didn't have many openings. When he did, he gets the ball out of his feet and shoots like few other players I've seen come through the ranks. It's so instinctive to him, and he always seems to know where the bottom corner of the goal is. His workrate is exceptional too, so even when he's not getting many chances he's making the defence work and not giving them a moment's rest on the ball.

So overall a fantastic performance that should've been wrapped up sooner but would seem to put this tie to bed. More importantly players like RLC and Christensen bounced back well from that disappointing final against Villa. In the second leg I'd like to see more of the same, with Boga getting more of the ball hopefully from a more central 'number 10' position and Feruz getting on the scoresheet.

For Liverpool, Ibe looks a good prospect on the wings. Direct runner, comfortable on the ball and not afraid to have a go and could cause problems at the Bridge, but beyond him the difference in quality between the two sides was rather stark at times. Yes they had their chances, but I'd say the majority came on the break in the second-half when players like Ibe could exploit our over-commitment going forward. We also had a couple of 3v2 breaks which we failed to take full advantage of, but it was a performance that was extremely encouraging.

[Styles 9,790]

Only caught the last 15 minutes which was enough time to see both goals. Both well taken by Kiwomya and an excellent assist by Boga for the second. Liverpool kids looked dead on their feet while our boys were pushing for the win which was nice to see.

[BlueSunshine 672]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9yzh1x0p8s

[chelsea blue 615]

Norwich into the final

[JDY 1,290]

Really excited for tomorrow's match

[The Skipper 20,593]

Tie is by no means over yet - Liverpool have decent enough players to turn it around. Hopefully we pull through though.

[underdrog 18]

what time is it ? :-)

[Ollie 4,400]

We haven't lost at home in the youth cup for over a decade, just wow! Our team has more experience and maturity that that Liverpool side, i'd be very surprised if we messed this up tbh. Would be a great double if we could win on Friday and Sunday.

[Billy. 2,739]

1-0 Liverpool

[Yeboii 1,844]

Is our under 21 team playing or something?

[Billy. 2,739]

Is our under 21 team playing or something?

Fa youth cup semi 2nd leg at the bridge tonight

[Billy. 2,739]

1-1 great counter and finish JOhn Swift

[Hannah 200]

Great play from John Swift

[Leif 6,006]

BOSH!!!!!

[Billy. 2,739]

2-1 Ake with a header from the corner

[Leif 6,006]

That's bad defending from Liverpool that is. Very bad.