Liverpool player ratings as Wright and Chambers impress in narrow setback

Liverpool Echo · Ian Doyle

The Reds conceded the only goal in time added on at the end of the first half when, after Harvey Davies made a fine save to deny Doncaster skipper Owen Bailey, the rebound fell for Tommi O'Reilly to convert.

Liverpool had earlier come close to opening the scoring with an outrageous attempt from Will Wright, whose chip from 35 yards struck the underside of the crossbar.

Doncaster goalkeeper Josh Clarke made a fine double save to deny both Wright and Joe Bradshaw shortly after half-time with the former narrowly wide with another effort later on.

Despite dominating the second half, Rob Page's side have now slipped to third in the Group B table and need a positive result at leaders Huddersfield Town next month to stay in the competition.

The ECHO was in attendance at the Club Doncaster Sports Village and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.

Harvey Davies 7

Made smart save from a shot from range first half and unlucky with first goal but some of his distribution was dangerously wayward. Another good stop after break.

Oliver O'Connor 7

Hugely energetic down the right flank in both directions but started to struggle with Doncaster regularly attacking his flank. Switched to a variety of roles in the final quarter in impressive fashion.

Wellity Lucky 7

More than held his own against the experienced Doncaster forward Hanlan and looked to play out of the back whenever possible.

Luke Chambers 7

Confident and composed playing in the heart of the defence and used the ball well. A good display.

Making his first appearance in this competition, wasn't overawed by the physicality of the men's game.

Busy evening anchoring midfield and had one shot charged down second half. Subbed.

Josh Sonni-Lambie 6

Operating on the right flank, showed good physicality up against more experienced opponents but could have offered more help defensively. Subbed.

Michael Laffey 6

Sought to provide support for lone striker Wright down the centre and more effective second half. Subbed.

James McConnell 7

Relatively quiet first half but became much more involved as Liverpool pressed for an equaliser. Booked and subbed.

Not given much chance to stretch his legs down the left before interval but later had shot saved and became more of a threat.

Involved in a running battle with the experienced Byrne and struck the underside of crossbar with an outrageous attempt from range before break. Denied by Doncaster goalkeeper Clarke second half and close with another effort.

Prince Cisse (for Sonni-Lambie 62) 6

Slotted in at right-back and useful with his pace.

Ben Trueman (for Upton 69) 6

Not quite the impact as against Rochdale last time out.

Patrik Farkas (for Laffey 85)

First outing in the competition.

Fola Onanuga (for McConnell 85)

Minutes for the midfielder.

Ensure our latest news and what's on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.

Read on Liverpool Echo →

More from Liverpool

Liverpool among clubs keen on Vuskovic - Sunday's gossipBBC SportIs Cole Palmer suspended for Liverpool vs Chelsea after red card against Tottenham?Liverpool Echo'We want 10!' - Inside delirious Liverpool away end as Man Utd humiliated at Old TraffordLiverpool EchoJayden Danns takes major step as Liverpool 15-year-old midfielder scores againLiverpool EchoWarning to Liverpool fans heading to Anfield on Sunday as difficult weather continuesLiverpool Echo
Prefer a machine-readable version? View as Markdown