Hong Kong, July 28: Liverpool have ended their pre-season Asian tour by beating Hong Kong 6-0. Forwards Milan Baros and Emile Heskey, battling to earn a regular starting berth alongside Michael Owen, each scored twice as Liverpool thrashed the Hong Kong side in an exhibition match on Sunday (July 27). The English premier league side maintained their unbeaten pre-season form in what was the last game of their Far East tour, playing before a capacity crowd of about 40,000 in their first appearance in the former British colony in 20 years. Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer, under mounting pressure since the signing of Australian Harry Kewell, struck the opening goal after 14 minutes. El Hadji Diouf created hit a low cross from the left and Smicer kicked into the corner of the net. Heskey, who produced an aggressive display despite the sweltering heat, beat the offside trap to score in the 57th minute. Bruno Cheyrou created the chance and Heskey went around the goalkeeper.


Impressive Czech forward Baros scored in the 76th minute, then set up newly-signed 18-year-old French striker Anthony Le Tallec for his first Liverpool goal.


Baros got a second goal in the 89th minute. Then in the first minute of injury time, Heskey also got a second to make it 6-0.


All the match tickets were sold within hours of going on sale. Most of the first team squad took part, helping boost their match fitness before the English premiership season starts on August 16.


Bureau Report