AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool edged out by Middlesbrough in Kirkby

Ollie O’Connor and Joe Bradshaw were on target for the young Reds, though their strikes were unable to halt defeat for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side in Kirkby.

Liverpool asserted early pressure with a succession of corners as both teams largely cancelled each other out during the opening exchanges.

Middlesbrough saw an early penalty claim turned away as Frankie Coulson tumbled under pressure, while Josh Sonni-Lambie and O’Connor both dragged shots wide.

The Reds were growing in confidence as they enjoyed more of the ball, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock ahead of the half-time interval.

Following a slick team move out from the back, Bailey Palmer was released through on goal in behind the Liverpool defence, with the attacker calmly slotting a low shot into the corner of the net to put his side in front.

Middlesbrough started the second half on the front foot again as Collins Nino twice went close, before Sonni-Lambie saw another shot blocked at the opposite end.

The visitors found themselves a cushion ahead of the hour mark as right-back Noah Muwana sprinted forward to drill low into the net and add a second.

Liverpool, however, responded in impressive fashion as they struck twice in six minutes to level.

O’Connor first netted after a scramble in the area, while Bradshaw converted a header at the back post after meeting a well-placed cross.

Kareem Ahmed almost put the Reds in front a short while later though saw his curling effort blocked away from goal by the visiting defence at the last moment.

Despite the hosts’ dominance on the ball, Middlesbrough checked the home momentum by retaking the lead against the run of play.

Coulson was on hand to head home unchallenged inside the box having started a quick counter from the back himself following a Reds corner.

Liverpool attempted to find another levelling strike in the closing stages, but Boro’s defence held firm to earn victory.TEAM

Hall, Esdaille, Pitt, Pinnington, Evers, Onanuga (Cisse, 61), Cowley (Upton, 70), O’Connor, Ahmed (Lonmeni, 86), Bradshaw, Sonni-Lambie.

Unused subs: Bernard, Enahoro-Marcus.

NEXT UP

The Reds face a quick turnaround as they host Arsenal in the U18 Premier League Cup on Wednesday (August 28) lunchtime at the Kirkby Academy (12pm BST kick-off).