Ibe Sparks Deepdale Comeback

After the last-gasp defeat to Brondby on Wednesday night, Liverpool travelled to Preston looking to bounce back with a win and included two new signings in the form of Ricky Lambert and Emre Can as a youthful side took the field for the second time this week.

Preston started the better of the two sides with Joe Garner forcing a good save from Brad Jones after a curling shot from range after Lucas had lost possession to Neil Kilkenny in midfield. Liverpool responded as Borini swept into open space to collect a scything pass from Lambert before testing Jamie Jones in the Preston goal.

Preston looked the likelier of the sides to score first and came close with two good chances as Kilkenny hit a dangerous dipping shot that narrowly missed the target and Josh Brownhill came even closer when he hit an effort that forced a palmed stop from Jones. Liverpool made a precautionary change in the 20th minute as Can came off and was replaced by Jordon Ibe and Liverpool came so close to an opening goal when Martin Skrtel threatened with a headed effort that David Buchanan denied superbly. 

Both sides continued to push for the opening goal but it was the hosts shat made the breakthrough with half-time on the horizon as a swinging corner caused chaos for the Liverpool defence with the ball finding Brownhill at the back post who hit past Jones.

Liverpool made just two changes at the interval with Lambert and Kelly departing and Jack Robinson and Suso introduced for the second half and the latter looked to make an instant impact when he raced inside and aimed for goal only to see his effort go wide of the goal. Seven further changes were made by Rodgers on the hour mark and alike the earlier changes, an instant impact came close to bearing fruit as Ibe dashed down the left and swept a powerful effort towards goal but saw the chance narrowly miss the target.

Suso and Ibe seemed to be enjoying their advances down the wing and combined to bring Liverpool level as Ibe picked out Suso in a good position before the young Spaniard swept a stunning effort that swung into the top corner and delighted the travelling fans in the 74th minute. However, the sides were level for just four minutes as Ibe turned provider again by picking out Peterson who side-footed into the net and completed a rapid comeback.

Liverpool held on to secure their first win of pre-season with the major praise going to Jordon Ibe has set up all three Liverpool goals so far including two for Kristoffer Peterson who looks like a real prospect for the future.