AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool draw 2-2 away at Middlesbrough

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s young Reds grabbed a fifth-minute lead via their captain, Michael Laffey, at Rockliffe Park.

Laffey’s high press forced an error in the opposition defence and his block sent the ball careering into the back of the net.

It looked possible the U18 Premier League North clash would conclude without any further changes to the scoresheet.

Kornel Misciur made several vital saves during the second half to deny the home team, who also hit the crossbar through Charlie Lennon.

But a flurry of late goals began when Frankie Coulson’s tap-in brought Boro back on level terms with 73 on the clock.

Another outstanding Kieran Morrison effort, this one curled into the far top corner from the right edge of the area, restored the visitors’ advantage just three minutes later.

But there was an equally swift counter-response from the hosts as Lennon forced in the fourth – and what would prove to be the last – goal of the contest.

Liverpool could still have grabbed all three points in the final stages, with Afolami Onanuga thwarted by a brilliant Boro block inside the box.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Bridge-Wilkinson told Liverpoolfc.com post-match. “Middlesbrough probably had quite a few more chances than we did.

“It wasn’t our best performance but the lads stuck at it and ground out a really good draw in the end. Obviously, going ahead twice, it’s frustrating when they peg you back.

“But I think overall we’ve got to be pleased with a draw.”

He added: “Today we had a young side out. It was good to give three of the U16s an opportunity to start the game and that was really pleasing, for them to get used to the level a little bit and test them slightly.

“Difficult game for them to come into but hopefully in weeks and months to come and the next games, we’ll get more opportunities to give them a go.”

TEAM

Misciur, Esdaille, Evers, Pitt, Enahoro-Marcus, B. Trueman (Ahmed, 46), Morrison, Laffey, Sonni-Lambie, Onanuga, Bradshaw (Gyimah, 63).

Unused subs: Hall, Furnell-Gill, Airoboma.

NEXT UP

Liverpool U18s are back in league action next weekend when they host Leeds United at the Kirkby Academy.

Kick-off on Saturday March 16 is 12pm GMT and subscribers can watch the match live on LFCTV GO.