AURELIO BACK AS RESERVES BEAT CREWE

Fabio Aurelio made his return to action as Liverpool Reserves beat Crewe Alexandra Reserves 2-1 at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon.


The Brazilian full-back, who had not featured since injuring his Achilles tendon against PSV in April, played 45 minutes of the friendly alongside a host of first-teamers.

Goals from Xabi Alonso and Ray Putterill either side of the break secured victory in front of the watching Rafa Benitez.

The friendly, organised in part to keep those not involved in international action sharp, had a surreal feel about it.

The first half saw Alonso – back on Merseyside after a red card against Iceland - partner Jack Hobbs at the back, sweeping the ball forward just like big Jan Molby used to do.

Then there was the sight of Jermaine Pennant, who can rightly feel aggrieved to be stuck in such a setting while Steve McClaren's chosen few prepare for Russia.

It was he who was felled in the box on 36 minutes, with Alonso stepping up to take the spot kick. Crewe keeper Stuart Tomlinson committed himself far too early, allowing the Spaniard to slot it straight down the middle.

Other senior players on show in the first half included Momo Sissoko, Alvaro Arbeloa and Lucas Leiva, the South American looking assured playing as a holding midfielder.

Then we had Yossi Benayoun, whose gliding run into the opposition box just after the half-hour mark was sublime and deserved a better finish.

The only other highlight of a quiet opening 45 minutes came when Aurelio – who got brighter as the half wore on – sent a curling free-kick just over the bar.

With half-time came 10 changes, including the introduction of San Jose, Damien Plessis and scholar Daniel Pachecho. The latter showed some real touches of class and looks a definite prospect at just 16.

It took a while for the youngsters – who will have seen this as an ideal chance to stake a claim for a Carling Cup place – to find their rhythm, and the visitors took advantage on 59 minutes when a low cross was converted by Luke Danville.

Not to worry – six minutes later the lead was restored when young Scot Ryan Flynn sent a dipping cross to the far post, where winger Ray Putterill was on hand to volley home.

Rookie stopper David Martin – who looked composed throughout – was required to make a fine save on to the bar late on.

The Liverpool team in full was: Martin, Arbeloa (Darby 45), Alonso (Huth 45), Hobbs (San Jose 45), Aurelio (Threlfall 45), Pennant (Flynn 45), Leto (Putterill 45), Sissoko (Plessis 45), Lucas (Spearing 45), Brouwer (Lindfield 45), Benayoun (Pachecho 45).