Result: Sheffield Utd 1 - 1 Liverpool

No live blogging for the second half here on LiverpoolAccess.com but the game has finished 1-1 with Robbie Fowler securing a point for the Reds from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaing. The result leaves Liverpool still failing to win their opening season game under Rafa Benitez and provides a frustrating start to the campaign, the side having been expected to take all three points.

The first half of play was ok from Liverpool, limited in attacking chances though John Arne Riise and Craig Bellamy both went close in the opening half of the game. Riise was removed from play through injury (twisted ankle) as was Jamie Carragher (twisted ankle) both just after the half hour mark with Danny Agger and Mark Gonzalez coming into the fold but neither introduction could spur anything productive as the clock edged towards half time with the scores level at 0-0 on the break.

Rob Hulse broke the deadlock for Sheffield United with under two minutes gone in the second half, Hulse finding himself with a free header in the six yard box to nod home and put The Blades into the lead. The goal pretty much shocked Liverpool into action as the attacking play built up serious momentum, culminating in a penalty on the 70th minute as Steven Gerrard broke free into the box and was clipped by United skipper Chris Morgan. Robbie Fowler stepped up to spot and converted with his left foot, sending Paddy Kenny the wrong way.

The Reds pressed hard for the second goal but could muster the opportunites to finish against a solid Sheffield side. All not lost on the day as a point was secured but from second half action alone it should have easily been all three points for Liverpool, something compounded by the loss of Riise and Jamie Carragher who is likely to miss this week’s Champions League game.

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