Carragher on target in testimonial

Carragher on target in testimonial

Published Sep. 4, 2010 3:15 p.m. ET

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. 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. 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. But if you were being charitable to Everton, managed by David Moyes, you could say they did not want to spoil the occasion. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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