Liverpool face long trip south after Plymouth FA Cup draw

Derek Adams' team came into the third round tie 68 places behind the Reds.

But cheered on by a vociferous away support of 8,600, Plymouth held firm amid a constant but fruitless Liverpool barrage, earning themselves a much deserved and very lucrative replay.

Ahead of next week’s visits to Southampton and Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp made 10 changes from the side that drew at Sunderland in their last league outing.

Only Emre Can remained from the visit to the Stadium of Light as the Reds fielded five academy graduates in a starting 11 whose average age was less than 22.

And it was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been with Liverpool since the age of six, who was their brightest outlet in a largely frustrating first half.

The Reds had 81 per cent possession, 12 attempts to none and had an Origi goal disallowed.

But clear chances were few and far between as Plymouth sat deep and frustrated the Reds.

Ojo and Woodburn wasted the best of the chances while, at the other end, Loris Karius may as well have sat on the Kop, such was his lack of involvement.

He was called upon early in the second half as Graham Carey sent a free kick straight down his throat.

But that was the extent of his day’s work as Plymouth continued to try and blunt Liverpool’s attacking threat.

And they were successful after the break, too. Besides a Lucas shot which forced McCormick into a smart save, Liverpool struggled to break down their visitors.

Klopp brought on Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino as Liverpool sought to avoid a replay and Connor Smith nearly turned it past his own goalkeeper in stoppage time.

But defeat would have been harsh on a Plymouth team who held out for a draw to the delight of their travelling support.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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