AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool beaten by Leeds United in Kirkby

The visitors were ahead after just six minutes in Kirkby and added two further efforts to the scoreline before half-time, which was enough to claim the points in the U18 Premier League North contest.

Morrison’s second-half strike came as a consolation for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side on a windy afternoon on Merseyside.

It was an own goal from Lucas Pitt that broke the early deadlock, with the defender stretching to halt a low Harvey Vincent cross into the six-yard box following a quick break.

Liverpool responded as Kareem Ahmed volleyed over the bar from a loose ball, while Morrison saw a free-kick deflect inches past the post.

Leeds, though, were on the scoresheet again ahead of the half-hour mark thanks to some clever skill by Josh McDonald, who gathered and placed a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Mason Cotcher also saw Wellity Lucky provide a crucial intervention for the Reds as he lifted an effort towards goal from distance with goalkeeper Kornel Misciur retreating.

The defender stood firm to head away the shot but was unable to deny Cotcher only minutes later, the attacker finding the net with a low drive to make it three.

Morrison, who was proving the hosts’ best attacking threat, tested the reflexes of visiting stopper Owen Grainger from the left flank for Liverpool a short while later.

Ahead of the break, Misciur produced another impressive save from forward Harry Gray, keeping out the striker’s close-range header on the line thanks to strong hands.

Liverpool came out on the front foot after the change of ends and went closest through Pitt, who headed just over the bar from a quick Morrison corner.

Josh Sonni-Lambie was also proving a nuisance for the Leeds defence, but the Reds were unable to find a goal to haul themselves back into the game.

Misciur again denied Gray with a low save at the opposite end before the forward later hit the outside of the post following a scramble in the box after a corner ball.

With 15 minutes to go, though, Morrison finally got his reward thanks to a fine solo effort, which saw him dart into the box, drag the ball back and coolly finish high into the net from a tight angle to get the home team on the scoresheet.

Despite some late pressure from the hosts, that goal was to only be a consolation for Liverpool, who were unable to work another clear opportunity in the closing stages to threaten a comeback.

TEAM

Liverpool: Misciur, Airoboma, Evers, Lucky (Furnell-Gill, 46), Pitt, K. Kelly, Morrison, Onanuga (Cowley, 68), Sonni-Lambie, Ahmed, Bradshaw (Martin, 87).

Unused subs: Hall, Upton.

NEXT UP

Liverpool U18s will return to league action on April 6 in Kirkby against Manchester United live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO, with kick-off set for 11am BST at the Academy.