AcademyU21s match report: Liverpool hold Blackpool to complete Bristol Street Motors Trophy journey

The young Reds' reward for an excellent all-round performance at Bloomfield Road was leaving with two points by virtue of winning a penalty shootout 8-7.

But their journey in the competition ends as they are unable to finish in the top two spots of Group E in the northern section and progress to the knockouts.

Barry Lewtas' side more than held their own throughout the contest, enjoying plenty of possession and carrying real purpose when going forward.

Oakley Cannonier was denied a stunning goal by the assistant referee's flag, when he was adjudged to have mistimed a run to meet Tyler Morton's ball over the top before lobbing the goalkeeper from all of 30 yards.

At the other end, meanwhile, Jay Spearing was needed on the goalline to clear away Matthew Pennington's header in the aftermath of a corner.

After Morton dragged a shot wide from distance, a sliding Tom Hill was then denied by Harry Tyrer in the hosts' net as the Reds finished the first half well on top.

But they required Harvey Davies' alertness in the opening stages of the second period, with the stopper saving well from Jake Beasley and then Terry Bondo.

The game was opening up as it edged towards its conclusion.

Liverpool's best opportunity came six minutes before the end, but substitute Keyrol Figueroa was unable to squeeze the ball past Tyrer in a one-on-one situation.

And with no side able to find a breakthrough, an extra point was on offer, with its destination determined by spot-kicks.

Lucas Pitt scored the Reds' eighth effort to set the stage for Davies to deny Takudzwa Gwanzura and bring an end to proceedings.

Team

Davies, Pitt, Spearing (Furnell-Gill, 85), Jonas, Norris, Morton, Corness, Kelly (O'Connor, 85), Hill, Pilling, Cannonier (Figueroa, 71).

Unused subs: Sonni-Lambie, Bradshaw, Ahmed.

Next up

The U21s head to Reading in Premier League 2 on Saturday November 30 in a 12pm GMT kick-off.