Source: Team_Talk
Carragher on target in testimonial
Jamie Carragher marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team beat an Everton XI 4-1 in his testimonial at Anfield.[LNB] The 32-year-old defender scored from the spot in the first half for the Reds before converting a penalty own-goal for the club he supported as a boy after the break.[LNB]After Luis Garcia's second-minute opener it was only fitting the veteran defender claimed the spotlight as he celebrated 14 years' professional service with the Reds.[LNB]The teams looked one-sided as Carragher was able to call on favours from current team-mates Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole as well as former players Michael Owen, Luis Garcia, Emile Heskey, Danny Murphy and Jerzy Dudek.[LNB]But if you were being charitable to Everton, managed by David Moyes, you could say they did not want to spoil the occasion.[LNB]Gerrard, given dispensation by Fabio Capello after featuring in England's 4-0 victory over Bulgaria last night, played the opening 10 minutes before being replaced by Murphy.[LNB]On the bench former Reds manager Gerard Houllier warmed up for a possible Premier League return with Aston Villa by sitting alongside current boss Roy Hodgson[LNB]Manchester United striker Owen assumed the role of pantomime villain with a mixed chorus of boos and cheers from the crowd of 35,631 greeting his every touch.[LNB]He played up to his new status when his shot struck Jose Baxter's arm for the 44th-minute penalty, pretending to lay claim to the spot-kick before allowing Carragher to take two steps and roll the ball past Iain Turner.[LNB]Prior to that referee Mark Halsey had provided the comedy moment when he delivered a slap around the head to Lee Carsley after booking the Toffees midfielder for theatrically kicking the ball away.[LNB]Luis Garcia's goal after being set up by Cole and Heskey on the right of the penalty area was a sign of things to come.[LNB]Owen had a shot tipped around the post, Luis Garcia sidefooted wide Cole's cross, Heskey - as he often did in a Liverpool shirt - squandered a great chance when he skewed well off target after being put though and Murphy also rolled a shot wide.[LNB]In the second half Cole volleyed in his first goal at Anfield - having missed a penalty at the ground in the Europa League qualifier against Trabzonspor - from Ryan Babel's cross and reserve team striker Nathan Eccleston fired home.[LNB]In between Carragher fouled James Vaughan and saved the Everton player the trouble by shooting past Brad Jones, making his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt after signing last month from Middlesbrough.[LNB]Carragher is hoping to raise £1million for his 23 Foundation from his game and a gala dinner, with proceeds going to local groups and charities.
