U's:0 Scousers:1

Everything seemed sparkly and new at the Abbey last night; new manager, new kit, new optimism about the forthcoming season.

There wasn't much new on the pitch though, with Martin Ling's amber army looking suspiciously like Paul Carden's amber army, and Gary Brabin's amber army before that; lots of possession, but no real cutting edge. The new manager will need to sort that out one way or another before the season starts.

Still, it was nice to hear some actual analysis of the game from our new gaffer, rather than the succession of ers and cliches we'd come to expect from his predecessor.

"I spoke to them about being a passing team and that was really the one comment I made before the game, but I think one or two of the players took me a bit too literally," noted the new man, and it's true that in the first half over-elaboration was the name of the game, with passes going back and forth across the pitch to no great effect. The back eight (for want of a better phrase) were also far too deep, meaning that, although Bees and Crow held the ball up fairly well, they had little support and didn't work the visiting keeper.

Liverpool's expensively assembled collection of European teenagers could have been out of sight by half time but for some wayward finishing and good goalkeeping from Danny Potter. An error by Rory MacAuley in the second minute gave lanky manchild Jordy Brouwer a clear run on goal, but Pottsy saved well with his legs. The same player then rattled the post when it seemed easier to score, following up an Andras Simon shot that had also been well saved.

United were better after the break, thanks in part to substitutions which saw Holroyd inject some pace up front, and the Pittster make a welcome return to the left flank. Courtney entered the field with the grin of a cheshire cat enjoying its ninth life, and immediately gave the team a bit more balance and energy. We all know that a fully focussed Pitt is an asset to the squad, so hopefully Ling will be able to get the best out of him if he stays.

Anyway, yeah, United could've taken the lead in a 20-minute purple patch at the start of the half, which saw Beesley shoot inches wide, then fire a 25-yarder just over. But once Carden and Reason departed to the bench, we lost our grip on the game, and Liverpool resumed control. The only goal was absolute peach of a free kick, struck from just outside the box by Gerado Bruner. His curling effort initially looked to be too high, but had wicked dip on it and fizzed over Potter into the net. You can only admire such technique really. 1-0.

After that the Scousers hit the post, and Potter made a couple more good saves, before Glees strode forward and unleashed a rocket which Liverpool's substitute stopper Martin Hansen palmed away at full stretch. This proved to be our last attack of note in the match, and 1-0 it finished.

United didn't play particularly badly, and the defence is looking better with every passing game. But the nagging doubts about our forward line remain, and while all five strikers in the squad are quality players, we need one of them to become the proverbial fox-in-the-box if we're to sustain a promotion challenge.

Man of the Match: Danny Potter - A busy evening for United's number one, who was only beaten by a special goal.





Day trippers of the Match: The huge party of American students that filled the Habbin, all of whom brought at least one disgusting, overpriced, hot dog. I'm sure it was profitable night at the tea bars.