Smyth double sinks United

Last updated : 27 January 2004 By Daily Post

And with leaders Manchester City losing 2-1 to Crewe, the Reds are now 11 points behind with a game in hand.

On Saturday England youth international Smyth's two goals took his tally to six for the season and an own goal completed a superb victory.

Owens fielded a very strong side with Robbie Foy, David Raven and Darren Potter all playing. And they helped keep up the Reds' 100 per cent start to 2004.

Smyth scored his first goal after Steven Gillespie nodded Scottish youth international winger Foy's cross from the right into his path. Andy Wright's initial header was saved and Smyth followed up.

And the 18-year-old forward scored his second by rounding the keeper after latching onto an excellent through-ball from Potter.

The scoring was completed when a United defender put through his own net.

Owens said: "The first half was very even, but we managed to get ahead. In the second half we had most of the play and thoroughly deserved the two goals we scored.

"I was very pleased with the performance. Whatever the state of play between the two clubs at any level they are always excellent games.

"It was a good team performance. The team has come good recently and got a momentum going. We just hope they can keep it up."

But it was not so good for the under-17s. Lee Peltier was shown the red card as Blackburn won 4-0.

After going 1-0 down early in the second half, Peltier was controversially sent off for an off-the-ball incident with 15 minutes left. The decision was made after the linesman alerted the referee and the defender was shown a straight red.

Coach Shannon said: "It was a good game of football and we did well before the sending off.

"Unfortunately in trying to get back into the game we gave a few more goals away."

Liverpool Under 19s: Willis, J Smith (O'Donnell 65), Vaughan, Raven, Flynn, Wright, Foy, Potter, Gillespie, Massie (Wilkie), Smyth. Subs: Frayne, Harrison, King.

Liverpool Under 17s: Lancaster, Spearing, D Smith, Peltier, Hitchen, Kelly, Townley, Guthrie, Noon, Platt (Burns), Ryan (Behan). Subs: Threlfall, D Roberts, Pringle.