Match reportLiverpool in running for Youth League knockouts after late equaliser at Girona

Jayden Danns put the young Reds ahead with a first-half penalty at Camp de Futbol Municipal de Vidreres on Tuesday afternoon but, soon after, Ranel Young was sent off.

Girona levelled with a spot-kick of their own through Juan Arango in the early moments of the second half, and a stunning long-range goal by Arnau Coromina put them in front shortly before the hour.

But Barry Lewtas’ side fought back to claim what could be a vital point as Kone-Doherty notched with a fine effort in the 83rd minute.

Liverpool accrued eight points from their six league-phase fixtures and must now wait to see if that total is sufficient to finish in the top 22, which is rewarded with progress to the first knockout round.

Trey Nyoni’s curler from the edge of the area, which went wide, registered as Liverpool’s first attempt on goal and the enterprise of Rio Ngumoha and Kone-Doherty on the flanks was causing Girona problems.

The hosts did retain an attacking threat, though, and Coromina and Luis Montes Guillen each had off-target efforts before the young Reds went ahead on the half-hour mark.

The lively Ngumoha isolated then sped past Gibert Nordana towards the byline, only to be fouled by the full-back. Danns, making his first Youth League appearance of the season, stepped up and coolly rolled his penalty down the middle.

But the visitors’ joy was short-lived as Young received a straight red card for a tackle on Pol Silvero – a development that swung the momentum of the contest in Girona’s favour.

Kornel Misciur made a superb reaction save to deny Muhammed Touray that kept Liverpool in front at half-time and a pivotal stage of the match was to follow in the immediate aftermath of the interval.

First, Kone-Doherty saw his cross from the right deceive Girona goalkeeper Jordi Danso and hit the top of the crossbar, before the home team went down the other end and equalised as Arango won and then converted a penalty.

Only crucial defensive interventions by Carter Pinnington, who produced a brilliant last-ditch block, and Josh Davidson, who cleared Arango’s header off the goalline from the resulting corner, stopped Girona from quickly adding to their leveller.

But Liverpool were powerless to prevent the hosts from taking the lead soon after when Coromina found the top corner with an unstoppable hit from distance.

It seemed that Girona’s control over proceedings would only grow from there, but they were handed a warning as a presentable chance fell to Ngumoha, only for the forward to skew his shot wide.

And, seven minutes from time, Lewtas’ team were back on terms against the odds.

Substitute Kyle Kelly played a searching pass in behind the back line and Kone-Doherty outpaced and outmuscled Marc Aznar prior to calmly beating Danso at his near post to ensure Liverpool remain in contention to progress.

Team

Liverpool U19s: Misciur, Pitt, Lucky, Nallo, Pinnington, Davidson, Nyoni, Young, Kone-Doherty, Ngumoha (Figueroa, 76), Danns (Kelly, 67).

Unused subs: Hall, Bernard, O’Connor, Ahmed, Bradshaw, Sonni-Lambie.

Goals: Danns (pen, 32), Kone-Doherty (83)