---
title: "Academy Review"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/columns/academy-review-3/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oli Marecar"
section: "Columns"
published: "2015-02-03T11:06:27Z"
modified: "2015-02-03T13:07:40Z"
---

# Academy Review

It was a tough week for the Liverpool Academy as the U21s and the U18s both suffered losses in their respective competitions.

Liverpool U21s started off the week with an away match against rivals Manchester United. A young Liverpool team came up against a strong United team which featured some very experienced players. Manchester United included new recruits Victor Valdez and Brazilian midfielder Anderson in their starting XI. Liverpool were edged out 2-1 but the youngsters gave a good account of themselves.

Nick Powell opened the scoring for United with a towering header from a free kick. Liverpool striker Jerome Sinclair equalised with a explosive strike past Valdez. However, at the start of the second half, United regained the lead with a Paddy McNair goal. Liverpool tried to get back into the game once again with chances falling to Jordan Ibe and Cameron Brannagan, but United succeeded in seeing the game out.

On Friday 30th January, the Liverpool U18s team took to the field to play against Birmingham City in the FA Youth Cup 5th round. A super solo goal from Jerome Sinclair saw Liverpool take the lead but Birmingham equalised before half time. Worryingly, Sinclair had to leave the field of play due to injury in the early stages of the second half. Birmingham then took the lead and were seemingly heading to the 6th round but not before substitute Ovie Ejaria had his say. Jordan Rossiter was also injured in the game and news on Monday suggests he may well be out for an extended period of time.

A Sergi Canos pullback was finished with aplomb by former Arsenal youth player, Ejaria. 2-2 and the match headed to extra time. Liverpool dominated but Birmingham took the lead once again after the rebound was slotted home by Dunbar. The match finished 3-2 to Birmingham and the young Reds’ quest has concluded for this season.

Sheyi Ojo also took part for Liverpool, and he secured a loan move to Wigan Athletic during the final day of the transfer window.

**This week, the u21s play Manchester City away on the Saturday 7th February. On the same day, the u18s have an away match against Blackburn Rovers.**