Liverpool U18s suffered an 8-3 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in Premier League North at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday morning.
The young Reds showed fight to recover from an early two-goal deficit, with La’more Lee Forrester racing clear to finish before Josh Sonni-Lambie converted a penalty to make it 2-2. But a late first-half goal from Rovers proved the turning point as the visitors pulled away after the break.
Blackburn striker Freddie Leatherbarrow hit a hat-trick, while Valentin Joseph struck twice to put the game beyond reach. Liverpool’s task was made harder when Alvin Ayman was shown a red card with 20 minutes left.
Despite the scoreline, there were positives for Simon Wiles’ side. Forrester’s pace and composure in front of goal stood out, and Sonni-Lambie kept his nerve from the spot. Substitute Haydn Murray-Holme also produced a fine late consolation, curling a free-kick into the top corner.
Liverpool U18s: Misciur, Esdaille, Ayman, Cisse, Clarke, Upton (Murray-Holme 46), Abe (Yeguo 60), Farkas (Lonmeni 60), Inglethorpe, Sonni-Lambie, Forrester (Owen 71).
What’s Next: The U18s return to action next Saturday with a trip to Leeds United (12pm BST kick-off).
