By Mighty Reds
February 21 2006

Liverpools young Academy players strolled in to the semi finals of the FA Youth Cup last night with a 6-0 win against Carlisle United. Academy director Steve Heighway was delighted for his young team. He said:

"We are really pleased and the boys are chuffed with the way we played, and we've been waiting for a performance like that out of them," enthused Heighway.

"Although we have been winning and progressing in this competition we have been waiting for that quality football which we know they are capable of, and they did that against Carlisle.

"We played some really good combination stuff and scored some very good goals."
16 year old Ben Parsonage was given a debut and took his chance excellently.

"Ben Parsonage was wonderful and I think I even surprised my own staff for picking him in the team, but I knew what he could do and I trust him," added Heighway.

"Ben is Liverpool through and through and he would run through a brick wall for this club. He did tremendously well."


About Craig Lindfields hat-trick Heighway said:

"Craig is a great lad who has always scored goals," enthused Heighway. "He knows he hasn't always been first choice and he has always had to work for his opportunities, but how can I leave him out now.

"I am told the best goal of the night was scored by Adam Hammill but unfortunately I had gone to the toilet so I missed it! I was told it was typical Adam and he is always capable of that."

It's Southampton next over two legs in the semi-final for Liverpool and Heighway knows it will not be an easy game.

"I have seen Southampton play and they are a very good side with a lot of good players, so it will be a really tough ask," reflected Heighway.

"The boys are confident though and hopefully we can continue to do well in the Youth Cup."