Match reportLiverpool U21s beaten by Sparta Prague in Premier League International Cup

Barry Lewtas’ side fell to defeat at the Kirkby Academy as they completed their involvement in this season’s tournament.

Jayden Danns was on target for the hosts, though goals from Radek Siler, Jakub Uhrincat and substitute Tomas Schanelec handed the Czechia outfit the spoils.

The Reds began on the front foot with Tom Hill and Michael Laffey combining to get in behind the visiting defence in the early exchanges.

Sparta did have the ball in the back of the net in the eighth minute, though Siler saw a goal chalked off for an offside in the build-up after he finished low past Kornel Misciur.

Danns, however, wasn’t to be denied at the opposite end during a decisive break forward three minutes later, James McConnell playing a brilliant pass through the defence to slide in the striker, who made no mistake rounding the goalkeeper to finish.

Following the opening goal Sparta enjoyed a spell of dominance and did eventually find their leveller in minute 22.

They first tested Misciur via Daniel Rus from a tight angle on the left, before Lukas Penxa shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Siler was then on hand to get on the scoresheet thanks to a well-placed header into the bottom corner of the net, as Petr Hodous produced a swinging cross from the right flank.

The visitors saw another strike via Siler ruled out for offside a short while later as Liverpool were caught in possession at the back.

But Sparta grabbed the lead four minutes ahead of the interval from a corner ball to turn the game around, with Uhrincat converting a loose ball at the back post.

The second half started with another good chance for the away team as Hodous shot over the bar after the ball broke to his feet on the edge of the area.

There was little between the two sides as the game progressed on, substitute Schanelec sending another warning past Misciur’s post in a rare chance in the final third.

After the hour, Liverpool made changes, introducing James Balagizi, Wellity Lucky and Ranel Young from the bench, while Kyle Kelly was later brought on.

Sparta, though, added a third with 20 minutes remaining as they pounced on an error from Liverpool in defence to sweep up the loose ball.

Schanelec gathered, drove forward and hit a low dipping effort from distance and was on target this time as his shot found the back of the net to earn a two-goal cushion.

Hill responded for Liverpool in a bid to find a way back into the game, shooting low from range after cutting onto his left foot, though his effort was beaten away by goalkeeper Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, while his header later on fell wide of the mark.

Trey Nyoni also tested the reflexes of the stopper with clever feet inside the area, but it was as close as the Reds would go to scoring again.

Team

Misciur, Pinnington, Norris, Jonas, Nallo (Lucky, 62), McConnell, Hill, Laffey (Balagizi, 62), Danns (Young, 62), Nyoni, Pilling (Kelly, 69).

Unused subs: R. Trueman, Spearing.

Goal: Danns (11)

Next up

The Reds’ U21s return to domestic action in Premier League 2 on Saturday afternoon (January 18) against West Bromwich Albion.

Kick-off at the Kirkby Academy is at 2pm GMT.