Milking It Up

There was a legendary advertisement back in the 1980s when drinking milk was considered essential to not end up playing for Accrington Stanley instead of Liverpool. Heck it even features 1980s icon Ian Rush. We would love to say the tables have turned; but unfortunately the theme was proved right in this FA Cup 3rd Round encounter between these exact two teams.

Oh Accrington Stanley did well enough to hold on for about the first 25 minutes; but alas; they were caught out at their own free-kick and left ruefully exposed as Darwin Nunez turned provider for the returning Diogo Jota to pounce inside the box. William Crellin; the former Everton 'keeper & World Cup winner; may have done well early on to thwart Trent Alexander-Arnold with his legs; but he had no chance with his second attempt; a beauty rifled in off the post from distance. More than that; it was a form of redemption for the right-back; who was roundly vilified for his recent horror show against Man Utd.

As far as the 86-place difference in the league structure between these two teams; it showed; as even when the League Two side had its chances; they failed to have the composure to take them; especially when Donald Love headed feebly over when in front of a near-open goal. Liverpool actually played several reserves in this game; and 16-year old Rio Ngumoha impressed on the left-wing; showing nifty moves & an appetite to boot. The same could be said of Jayden Danns; who went even one better; by coming on and scoring after initiating a crafty breakaway.

The night was capped perfectly for the home side; when newcomer Federico Chiesa; having a stop-start start to life at Liverpool thanks to injury; managed to find the net late on; with a speculative long-range effort that crept in off the post. He looked interesting on the right wing; although it must be said he still seemed slightly short on fitness in the breakaway pace of the Premier League.