Ings fires a hat-trick as U23s win at Ipswich Town
Danny Ings was in brilliant form as his hat-trick helped Liverpool U23s beat Ipswich Town 3-0 in the Premier League Cup at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon.
The striker, who along with Mamadou Sakho gained another valuable 90 minutes, has now scored seven goals in four appearances for the U23s this season.
It took Michael Beale’s side just three minutes to take the lead through Ings who found the net with a superb finish.
Just past the half hour mark Ings saw an effort hit the post and Trent Alexander-Arnold was unlucky when his shot was cleared off the line.
Ings then added two late goals to complete his hat-trick and make it a great weekend for the club after the first team’s victory at Swansea City and Neil Critchley’s U18s winning away at Newcastle United.
It was a great start for Beale's charges in the group stage of the Premier League Cup, and the Reds will also face Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion.
Reflecting on the victory, Beale told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's fantastic for Danny and I was delighted for him to get his hat-trick.
"His enthusiasm and personality lifts everybody in the squad and he was really sharp.
"He scored a brilliant opening goal and the other two he put the finishing touches to some very good team play.
"It was important for us to bounce back from the midweek defeat to Wolfsburg as it was tough to lose that game because we played so well.
"We said to the boys to show more composure in front of goal and we wanted a response.
"We created some great chances and could have scored a lot more than three. Harry Wilson had a one-on-one and Cameron Brannagan hit the post.
"Full credit to Ipswich Town as well. They have some very good players and played some good football.
"They were very much in the game before we scored two late goals to finish the tie off.
"I am so pleased with the lads. Everyone is working so hard and we are in a nice way at the moment."
Liverpool U23s: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Randall, Ilori, Sakho, Stewart, Wilson (Lennon 85), Chirivella (Phillips 80), Ings, Ejaria, Woodburn (Brannagan 65). Subs: not used: Whelan, Firth.