Critchley on Youth Cup victory and Woodburn stunner
Liverpool U18s boss Neil Critchley has hailed the performance that saw his team reach the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup but insists there is still room to improve.
The young Reds defeated Cardiff City 3-0 courtesy of a convincing display at Tranmere Rovers' Prenton Park home on Wednesday evening.
A sublime finish from Ben Woodburn was followed by a goal from Corey Whelan in the first half, before Brooks Lennon sealed his side's place in the next stage late on.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the game, Critchley said: “It was a good performance for long spells in the game. I thought we were quite comfortable.
“I still think we could play better football to control the game. In our games on Saturdays in the league, we have been dominating possession. I don't think we did that as well as we could do tonight.
“In terms of how we managed the game and how we tried to implement our game plan, I thought we did that very well.”
Welshman Woodburn opened the scoring in the 17th minute after he controlled a wonderful long-range pass from midfielder Adam Phillips on his chest before unleashing a delightful chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.
“It was an unbelievable goal,” the manager added. “We knew Adam was in that position and we could get him on the ball.
"We had said about playing through to him [Woodburn] and he [Phillips] has got that ability to pick out a pass from distance. He's got an unbelievable range of passing and I'm not sure how Ben did it.
“There was a swirling wind and he's run in behind, controlled it on his chest, and volleyed over his shoulder. It was an unbelievable piece of skill and a fantastic goal.”
An away tie against Nottingham Forest awaits Liverpool in the next round, a game which excites the manager and his charges.
“[It will be a] tough game. They're flying in their league but it's a great chance to go to a really lovely stadium with a lovely pitch. It's exciting times ahead and I'm really looking forward to it.” he continued.