Match reportLewis Koumas scores two but LFC U18s beaten at Sunderland

Koumas levelled for the young Reds early on but Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s youthful squad, which included several U16 players, were ultimately overpowered by their more experienced hosts, who led 5-1 prior to Koumas lashing in his second late on.

A frantic, end-to-end start to the U18 Premier League North game featured three goals in the opening 13 minutes.

After Liverpool’s Kieran Morrison had shot wide with just 14 seconds gone, the hosts quickly went up the other end and went in front as Ethan Moore converted the rebound after Josh Robinson had hit the woodwork.

The visitors responded positively and equalised moments later when Koumas, back in the starting XI after injury, drifted into space in the penalty area and headed in Keyrol Figueroa’s pinpoint cross.

But Sunderland were constantly dangerous and, after young Reds debutant Luca Furnell-Gill had thwarted him with an excellent goal-saving block, Mason Cotcher struck twice in quick succession with one-on-one finishes.

The home team were getting in behind Liverpool’s backline with regularity and Furnell-Gill did well to retreat and clear Thomas Watson’s effort off the line once Fabian Mrozek had made a good save.

Bridge-Wilkinson’s side improved as the half wore on, though, and Michael Laffey picked out Koumas with a fine pass just before the interval, but the forward’s touch let him down as he looked to take the ball in his stride.

Sunderland brought Jake Waters off the bench at half-time and, within five minutes of the restart, the striker had netted twice to increase the hosts’ advantage.

To their credit, Liverpool kept going and Jayden Danns’ improvised flick was stopped before Morrison scuffed an attempt wide.

Substitute Elijah Gift saw a shot saved by Adam Richardson and Figueroa was also denied by the Sunderland goalkeeper as the young Reds continued attacking.

And Koumas ensured they went away with a consolation goal by shifting inside and blasting in his second of the afternoon with a powerful left-footed hit.

Liverpool U18s: Mrozek, Davidson (Osborne, 61), Giblin, Furnell-Gill (Pitt, 87), Pinnington, Laffey, Figueroa, Kelly (Onanuga, 77), Koumas, Morrison (Gift, 61), Danns.

Unused sub: Hewitson.