Match Reports
LIVERPOOL 2-1 WYCOMBE Liverpool made it through to their first FA Cup final since 1996 but were made to work for the entire 90 minutes and injury time to achieve the win. The first half saw Liverpool dominate the possession and chances, but they could only manage to create a couple of clear cut chances. The first saw Owen charge into the area but, under pressure from defenders, he saw his shot from 6 yards blocked by Martin Taylor, the Wycombe keeper. Ziege then had an opportunity in first half injury time when the ball was headed to him by Hyypia, but Ziege's overhead kick in a crowded penalty area was inches wide. Wycombe's only shot in the half was a 50 yard lob which was a couple of feet over the bar, but Westerweld had recovered his position and would not have been tested should it had on target. All the action happened in the second half though, and when it looked as if Liverpool were not going to score no matter how many chances they had, Emile Heskey popped up to head the ball past the outstanding Martin Taylor after 77 minutes from Gerrard's cross. Liverpool then went 2-0 up after 83 minutes thanks to a wonderful free kick by Fowler, which he placed right into the corner of the net giving the keeper no chance at all. But as it looked to be heading for a comfortable finale for The Reds, Wycombe grabbed a goal back with 2 minutes to go after the defence failed to deal with a long ball played into the area, and Westerweld found himself being lobbed. Four minutes were added on, during which time Liverpool were made to defend for almost the entire duration, although Gerrard missed a one on one chance at the death. But the Reds managed to keep their lead and will play at Cardiff for the second time this year. Arsenal will be Liverpool's opponents after winning a North London derby with Spurs. View match pictures from this game!
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