Last week started for the u21s with a game against Southampton at the Staplewood training ground. Liverpool were looking to extend their winning run against a Southampton side that boasted first-teamers such as James Ward-Prowse and Folrin Gardos. However, second half goals from Ryan Seagar and Lloyd Isgrove secured a 2-0 win for The Saints. Moreover, the frustration got to Liverpool’s Welsh winger Harry Wilson when he was shown a red card for dissent after not being awarded a free kick in his favour. Here’s what Michael Beale had to tell liverpoolfc.com about the defeat:
“We actually started the game brightly although we were slightly off the level we have been playing at recently against an older and more experienced opponent”.
With games coming thick and fast, the u21s were back in action last Friday and were determined to redeem themselves against West Ham United. It was a blistering start for the Reds as they scored two goals inside the first six minutes. The first was scored by Kevin Stewart who scored great composure to plant a sweet strike into the top corner. The second was smashed home by Ryan McLaughlin; a swift break that involved Harry Wilson and Brad Smith saw the ball break out for the Irishman to net. Liverpool extended their lead before the half time interval when Brannagan finished off a brilliant team move. Liverpool did not take their foot off the gas in the second half as goals from McLaughlin and Sergi Canos clinically secured a 5-0 win against bottom of the table West Ham.
Meanwhile, the u18s were back in action last Saturday as the play-offs commenced. Their first match was the Kirkby Academy against Leicester City FC. Many players from the u16s side had been promoted for the Reds and it was presumed that it would be a tough day for them against the youth cup semi-finalists. However, Liverpool dominated and were 2-nil up in the first half courtesy of goals from Ovie Ejaria and Callum Nicholas. But the Foxes came straight back after the interval and were rewarded with two goals from two corners. The match looked like it was heading for a draw but substitute Wade Maxwell had other ideas. Maxwell beat the Leicester keeper to the ball to poke into an empty net to ensure a Liverpool win, 3-2. It was a brilliant match and Neil Critchley’s young men should be proud of their performance.
The Liverpool Echo had quoted this from a visiting fan: “One of the best games I’ve seen in a long time!”
The u18s are in action on the 28th of March against Wolverhampton Wanderers, 12 PM kick off (live on LFC TV). Due to the international break, the u21s are not back in action until the 7th of April in a home game against Fulham, kick off 3PM (live on LFC TV).
In other news, the last day of the loan window saw a few youngsters leave on loan.
Kevin Stewart and Jack Dunn have joined Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s Burton Albion on short-term deals. Midfielder Jordan Lussey has joined the Championship’s Bolton Wanderers until the end of the season. Also, 19 year old Jordan Williams, who has been part of the first team squad on numerous occasions this season has joined League One’s Notts County. The Academy Director will be hoping all of his young stars can get valuable experience at their respective clubs.
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