Reds secure Masters glory
Liverpool were back to their irresistible best as they cruised to glory in the Selco Mersey Masters tournament at the Echo Arena on Saturday evening.
A Patrik Berger-inspired Reds saw off Everton and Blackpool in the group stage, before thumping Bolton Wanderers 5-1 in the final.
It's Liverpool's first Masters title in five years, and the victory gives them the opportunity to be crowned national champions later this year, when they'll contest the Grand Final at Wembley.
Prior to kick-off, the Reds' preparations were hampered by the loss of Mark Wright due to family commitments, meaning their squad was a man light for the tournament.
However, it had little impact as Liverpool cruised to a commanding victory over Everton in their opening match in Group A.
Paul Walsh struck four times to add to a Berger strike to give the Reds an emphatic 5-1 win.
It meant they needed just a draw in the final group game against Blackpool in order to progress into the final.
After a tentative first half, Bjorn Tore Kvarme latched onto a defence-splitting Stephane Henchoz pass to put Liverpool ahead, before former Anfield youth player Andy Roscoe doubled the advantage.
Chris Beech netted a consolation for the Tangerines, but they were unable to stop John Barnes's side reaching the final as group winners with a 2-1 triumph.
Kvarme was again on target in the final, opening the scoring with a composed finish in the first half against a Bolton team that contained current Trotters boss Owen Coyle.
Scott Green levelled for the Lancashire side just before half-time, but Berger restored Liverpool's lead shortly after the re-start.
Kvarme then netted his second of the final with a thumping volley prior to Berger sealing his brace and Walsh making it 5-1.
It is Liverpool's first Masters success at the Echo Arena and they'll now hope to pick up where they left off when they compete in September's London-based Grand Final.
Liverpool Masters squad: John Barnes (c), Patrik Berger, Stephane Henchoz, Paul Walsh, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Paul Jones, Andy Roscoe.
