Match reportArthur returns as Doak inspires Liverpool U21s to 7-1 win over Leicester

A thigh problem had prevented Arthur from playing for several months but he completed the full 90 minutes as Barry Lewtas’ team claimed a resounding victory in Premier League 2 on Saturday afternoon.

Doak, meanwhile, netted twice and played a major role in two other goals during an outstanding display, with Bobby Clark, Billy Koumetio, Max Woltman and Layton Stewart – making his own comeback from injury – also on the scoresheet.

The young Reds capitalised on their strong start when Clark finished off an excellent team move but Leicester levelled quickly through Kian Pennant, who converted the rebound after a superb save from Marcelo Pitaluga.

Doak forced Foxes goalkeeper Chituru Odunze into a save before narrowly failing to connect with Harvey Blair’s low cross following a fine switch of play by Arthur.

But the Scotland U21 international would not be denied for long as he first scored with a back-post header from Dominic Corness’ cross and then saw a shot hit the post but bounce in off Odunze’s back after he was found by a brilliant pass from Clark.

And, 10 minutes into the second half, Doak netted again as he fired home after Blair had beaten his full-back and delivered a low cross.

Just after the hour, Lewtas introduced Stewart – who had been out since December – from the bench and the returning striker was immediately involved as he saw Odunze save his effort from a tight angle.

But midway through the second half it was 5-1 as Corness’ corner was headed in by Koumetio.

Doak was heavily involved in Liverpool’s sixth goal too, as he got in down the left and delivered for Woltman, who smashed home.

And there was still time for Stewart to get in on the act as he finished Lee Jonas’ pass well.

Liverpool U21s: Pitaluga, Stephenson (Miles, 76), Jonas, Koumetio, Beck, Corness, Arthur, Clark, Doak (Frauendorf, 76), Musialowski (Woltman, 62), Blair (Stewart, 62).

Unused sub: Kelly.