Liverpool U21s have been handed extra very important expertise towards senior opposition as they started their 2022/23 EFL Trophy marketing campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Salford Metropolis on Tuesday.
Salford Metropolis 2-1 Liverpool U21s
EFL Trophy, Peninsula Stadium
August 30, 2022
Targets: Berkoe 45′, Jenkins 59; Stewart 88′
This was the primary of three video games in a gaggle that may also see the younger Reds tackle Accrington Stanley and Rochdale’s senior groups on this yr’s competitors.
Recent from their terrific comeback towards Tottenham U21s final Friday, Barry Lewtas made 4 adjustments to his beginning lineup, together with 17-year-old Bobby Clark, who was handed his Premier League debut by Jurgen Klopp in Saturday’s 9-0 win towards Bournemouth. There was additionally a primary begin for centre-back Oludare Olufunwa, who joined the membership after a profitable trial interval earlier this summer season.
In the meantime, scouts have been in attendance to look at captain Jake Cain, who may nonetheless be in line for a mortgage transfer within the coming days, after spending final season with Newport County.
Liverpool’s kids made an excellent account of themselves in an evenly contested first half. It was Clark who had their first effort of the sport, with the attacking midfielder driving previous his man and forcing a save out of Salford goalkeeper Tom King.
Dominic Corness and Harvey Blair additionally had alternatives, however it was Salford who completed the half with a lead after Kevin Berkoe obtained on the top of a cross to fireplace his effort previous Harvey Davies.
HT: Salford Metropolis 1-0 Liverpool U21s
Simply earlier than the hour mark, the hosts doubled their lead. Davies did effectively to save lots of Lorent Tolaj’s preliminary strike, however Jack Jenkins was on guard to complete the rebound.
Simply as they did towards Tottenham final Friday, the younger Reds confirmed good spirit to maintain the sport alive, and have been rewarded for his or her efforts when Layton Stewart gave them a lifeline within the 88th minute.
Melkamu Frauendorf, who was launched instead of Blair within the second half, did effectively to work a gap on the right-hand facet, earlier than his cross was volleyed residence by Stewart.
Liverpool have been unable to salvage something from the sport, however Lewtas will once more be happy with the struggle his facet confirmed within the second half.
The opposite recreation within the Reds’ group noticed Accrington Stanley and Rochdale draw 3-3, and though Stanley went on to win on penalties, competitors guidelines state the factors should be shared if the scores are degree after regular time.
Rochdale will host the Reds of their subsequent EFL Trophy tie subsequent month.
Liverpool Below-21s: Davies; Mabaya, Quansah, Olufunwa, Chambers (Norris); Corness (Stephenson), Cain, Clark; Woltman (Cannonier), Blair (Frauendorf), Stewart
Subs not used: Kelly, O’Rourke, Jonas
Subsequent match: Man United (H) – Premier League 2 – Saturday, September 3, 2pm (BST)
