---
title: "Academy Review"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/columns/academy-review-2/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oli Marecar"
section: "Columns"
published: "2015-01-26T17:44:24Z"
modified: "2015-01-26T17:44:24Z"
---

# Academy Review

The Liverpool U18s team played two matches in the past week, first they were up against Derby County in the FA Youth Cup 4th round.  The same fixture in November produced a breathtaking score line of 5-5 so Liverpool had to be wary of the attacking prowess that Derby possessed. Manager Neil Critchley fielded a strong side and Liverpool took an early lead thanks to Jerome Sinclair. Harry Wilson’s free kick came off the post and Sinclair was in the right place to slot home the rebound.  Derby were not behind for too long as a defensive mistake led to an equaliser from striker Charles Vernam. Early signs showed that there may well be a repeat of the November score line with both sides testing each other continuously.

Derby missed the chance to take the lead after goalkeeper Andy Firth was adjudged to have brought down a Derby player; a penalty was given to the Rams. Firth redeemed himself by superbly saving the penalty from Vernam and keeping the scores level.  Liverpool’s winger Sheyi Ojo displayed great pace and poise to outpace the Derby right back and put in a perfect cross for Sinclair’s second goal of the night. Liverpool continued to press after the interval and Harry Wilson was awarded a free kick 25 yards away from goal after he was brought down. Wilson picked himself up to score a fantastic free kick and make the score 3-1. Sensing vulnerability in the Derby defence, Liverpool soon got their fourth of the night as Sergi Canos clinically rifled home.  There was also time for a fifth goal; once again a neat run by Wilson was stopped illegally in the box so a penalty was given to Liverpool. Wilson slotted home the penalty to make it 5-1. Derby did get a consolation goal in the dying moments of the game after Sinclair was penalised for a foul in the box, the third penalty of the match was scored by Vernam. The match finished 5-2 and Liverpool progressed to the next round.

Liverpool play Birmingham City in the 5th round and the manager was keen to keep the youngsters grounded. Neil Critchley told the Liverpool Echo*, **“we’ll have to play much better to beat Birmingham in the next round that’s for sure.”***

The u18s were back in action on Saturday as they played Manchester City away. City took an early lead through Swedish striker Zackarias Faour after just two minutes. Liverpool tried to equalise but City raced to a 3-0 lead, Faour with all three goals. Liverpool did get on the score sheet as Wade Maxwell pulled one back for the Reds and an improved second half display saw Harry Wilson make it 3-2. Unfortunately, City were able to see out the game and hold on for the win.

Neil Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com*: **“I wasn’t happy with some of the goals we conceded but overall we played very well, especially in the second half. We responded really well and put a lot of effort into it and were very unfortunate not to get the equaliser.”***

This week, the u21s are back in action against Manchester United on Monday 26th January 7pm kick off, live on Sky Sports 1 and LFC TV. Then, on Friday 30th January the u18s play in the FA Youth Cup 5th round against Birmingham 7PM kick off, live on LFC TV.