Source: Daily_Mail
Valerenga 3 Liverpool 3: Last gasp strike denies Dalglish's side a comeback win
Liverpool were denied a win against Norwegian outfit Valerenga, after coming from two goals down to lead 3-2 only to squander their advantage with the final whistle approaching.[LNB]A last gasp strike from Fellah denied the Merseysiders victory in their penultimate pre-season clash before the start of the season.[LNB]Owner John W Henry, who has set Dalglish's side a minimum requirement of reaching the Champions League, was in the stands for the score draw.[LNB] Ball player: Downing made his first Liverpool start[LNB] Dalglish had named his three major summer signings, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stuart Downing in his starting line-up after leaving all three out of the 3-0 defeat to Galatasaray last week.[LNB]Liverpool's promising start saw Johnson carve open the first half-chance after advancing from full-back before an inviting cross was missed by striker Carroll.[LNB]Winger Downing then saw a low drive sail just wide of Valerenga goalkeeper Hirschfeld's post.[LNB] Goal trail: Carroll (centre) fires home Liverpool's first[LNB] However, the visitors were left stunned after conceding two goals in four minutes. FIrst, Strand beat the returning Reina from close range before Ogude capitalised on a loose ball to fire past Liverpool's stopper.[LNB]Two minutes before the interval striker Andy Carroll struck one back, after an inviting cross from Downing was well taken down by the ?35m striker before lashing his shot past Hirschfeld.[LNB]After the break, Liverpool continued to press for the equaliser but had to wait until the introduction of substitute Alberto Aquilani before their breakthrough.[LNB] Much to ponder: Kenny Dalglish continues to struggle to get the best out of his team[LNB]The Italian who has been linked with a return to Serie A, crossed for Agger to score his first with little under ten minutes remaining, after his corner was thumped home by the Danish defender.[LNB]The pair again combined from a corner, this time with Agger finding the net courtesy of his left-footed strike.[LNB]With seconds remaining Valerenga struck, with boss Dalglish admitting afterwards, 'The important thing is we've got to be better when we don't have the ball - but the boys aren't shy of hard work. [LNB]'There's an educated week's training ahead.'[LNB] AC Milan ponder Aquilani swoop as Italian giants search for Pirlo's replacementChampions League or bust! Liverpool chief Henry lays down the target for free-spending DalglishWe'll cope without Stevie! Liverpool have the quality to thrive in Gerrard's absence, says AdamAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]
