Reds progress

Last updated : 27 January 2007 By Al Campbell
Liverpool beat Reading 1-0 at Anfield in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup last night thanks to a wonder goal by Jimmy Ryan.

Reading had the better earlier chances and the game was only kept goalless thanks to Jay Spearing clearing the ball off the Reds' goal line. The Royals then blasted over from twenty yards.

Liverpool had to wait to get into the game but after 20 or so minutes they began to create chances. Jimmy Ryan saw the Reading goalkeeper off his line and attempted a lob but the ball ended up among the fans in the Kop.

Ryan was merely setting his sights however, and minutes later he scored what would be the winner after Craig Lindfield set him up on the edge of the area and he volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Reading had scored ten goals in the two earlier rounds but they could not break down a resolute Liverpool defence, superbly marshalled by Robbie Threllfall and captain Jay Spearing.

Martin Hansen in the Liverpool goal made a couple of good saves when Reading did manage to breach the Reds' defence and in the end Steve Heighway's team were worthy winners.