Match reportLiverpool U21s beaten by Crystal Palace in Premier League 2

The visitors opening the scoring after just six minutes of the contest on Merseyside, as Victor Akinwale finished off a low cross from the advancing Omotayo Adaramola.

Liverpool rallied and Ben Doak provided a bright spark for Barry Lewtas’ men throughout the opening period.

Calvin Ramsay fed Max Woltman through on goal a short while later though the forward stumbled at the crucial moment, regaining his footing to pass to Bobby Clark and then Luke Chambers – with the defender’s shot eventually falling off target.

Reds captain Dominic Corness forced a strong save from the edge of the box, while Doak’s mazy run won a free-kick in the final third but the skipper’s resulting effort was again blocked away.

After the half-time interval, Doak threatened once more and saw another effort held by visiting goalkeeper Owen Goodman.

The Palace stopper was then forced into a flurry of action, saving from Chambers, Clark and Doak again after a good set-up from substitute Harvey Blair.

At the opposite end, Fabian Mrozek produced a fine stop to halt a David Omilabu opportunity at an Eagles breakaway.

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, as Mateusz Musialowski crashed a shot into the side netting, though were unable to find a levelling goal.

Liverpool U21s: Mrozek, Ramsay, Chambers, Jonas, Koumetio, Corness, Doak, Stephenson, Woltman (Blair, 60), Clark (Musialowski, 72), Frauendorf (O’Rourke, 72).

Subs not used: Hughes, Olufunwa.