Fowler Getting a Run Out Tonight Distribution: world Keywords: world

(I hate having to click on links, so for the benefit of others of like mind:)

Robbie Fowler marked a return to his famous number nine shirt by scoring in the reserves 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Wrexham's Racecourse ground. Fowler played for 45 minutes and looked really sharp, worked hard and linked play superbly. His goal on the stroke of half-time was a real poacher's effort, reacting quickly to score from two yards out after Wigan's veteran keeper Gary Walsh had dropped a Jack Hobbs header.

Liverpool started the match with four of the heroes of Friday's FA Youth Cup semi-final success in Jack Hobbs, Godwin Antwi, Paul Anderson and Miki Roque who had entered the field in extra-time as a substitute, with Ryan Flynn and Craig Lindfield on the bench. Flynn and Lindfield both came on as late substitutes while Hobbs captained the team.

Wigan fielded a strong side featuring seven players with first team experience including Republic of Ireland striker David Connolly and Swiss international Reto Ziegler, so that gives you an indication of just how well the young Liverpool side played on the night.

At 0-0 the Latics missed a glorious chance after 37 minutes when Swedish striker Andreas Johansson, unmarked, somehow headed wide from eight yards out.

Scotland Under-21 international Robbie Foy had a lively game for Liverpool and scored the second goal after 65 minutes, finishing superbly from the edge of the 18 yard box. Foy also came close to scoring on several more occasions with two solo efforts. He drilled one low shot inches wide then forced an excellent save from Walsh.

For the second half Welsh under-21 international Ramon Calliste replaced Fowler in attack.

Calliste was in the thick of the action straight away and came close to scoring after 50 minutes when he got on the end of a superb right wing cross from Antonio Barragan, but his glanced effort was hacked away to safety from

Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin didn't have a lot to do on the night but he made one brilliant save in the 77th minute to deny Connolly.

Calliste should have increased the scoreline with two guilt edged opportunities spurned late on, twice blazing over the bar from close range after excellent Liverpool moves.

This was a good display from Liverpool with Hobbs, Antwi and James Smith all commanding figures.

Liverpool Reserves: Martin, Barragan, Smith, Antwi, O'Donnell, Roque (Flynn 80), Anderson, Hobbs, Fowler (Calliste 45), Guthrie (Lindfield 84), Foy. Subs not used: Woods, Lancaster (GK).

Wigan Athletic Reserves: Walsh, Heywood, Waterhouse, Lee, Jackson (Roberts 76), Francis, Owens (Stephan 73), Mahon, Johansson, Connolly, Ziegler.

Referee: S P Cummins.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Robbie Foy. The Scot scored a good goal and was in excellent form.

Liverpool Reserves are next in action on Thursday when they take on Aston Villa at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground. Extended highlights of the 2-0 win over Wigan will be available to watch on Tuesday on Liverpoolfc.tv.