Match reportU21s win at Leicester as Arthur, Carvalho and Phillips feature

Layton Stewart’s first-half goal was the difference for the young Reds at their opponents’ training ground in Seagrave, as the striker broke through to convert shortly after the half-hour mark.

“It was a really good goal actually,” head coach Barry Lewtas told Liverpoolfc.com. “Played forward, he ran in behind and took it really well on his left side. Really pleased with the goal.

“He deserved that as well, he’s in good form at the moment. Obviously we had the game cancelled last week, he’s probably one who wanted to kind of keep his rhythm going. So it was pleasing he got the goal.”

The visitors created a number of opportunities to strengthen their lead during the second half, with Stewart unable to convert a late penalty in the best of those chances.

But the single earlier strike proved enough for Lewtas’ charges to register their second victory of the PL2 campaign from a hard-fought encounter.

“We missed quite a few chances, if I’m going to be fair,” he continued.

“We had a lot more control of the game second half, so that was probably another chance where we could have just maybe put the game to bed. At 1-0 they were always a threat. That’s just the way it goes.”

The U21s’ starting line-up included Nathaniel Phillips, Arthur Melo and Fabio Carvalho as the trio of senior squad members gained match minutes.

“That’s obviously what sometimes this group can do. We talk about it a lot: we’re in the same building, we work closely together on how we want to play,” said Lewtas.

“It gives players an opportunity if they need minutes to come in and play some minutes and play in the way we play. So, it was really good.

“They’re top-level professionals. They add to our group as well, not just in terms of our performance but our young lads get to see what elite looks like.

“It works both ways. We can give them some minutes but they’re able to show us their professionalism and why they are where they are.”

Team

Davies, Mabaya, Phillips, Jonas, Chambers, Bajcetic (Stephenson, 90), Arthur, Clark (Norris, 82), Carvalho, Stewart (Blair, 82), Cain (Corness, 90).

Unused substitute: Kelly.

Next up

It’s a short turnaround for the U21s now as they return to the pitch on Tuesday night with a trip to Rochdale for their second match of the Papa Johns Trophy group stage, kicking off at 7pm BST.