James McConnell’s second-half strike was the difference as Liverpool U21s clinched a narrow 1-0 win against Stoke City in Premier League 2 on Friday night.
The hard-fought victory at the bet365 Stadium ended a five-game winless run for Barry Lewtas’ side, marking their first triumph of 2025.
The match started with Stoke City applying early pressure, targeting Liverpool’s left flank. Jack Griffiths delivered a dangerous low cross, but Isaac Mabaya was alert to clear the threat. Moments later, Adrial Walker broke through on goal, only for Wellity Lucky to make a crucial tackle, denying the hosts a clear scoring opportunity.
Stoke continued to create chances in the first half, with Favour Fawunmi coming close twice. He narrowly missed connecting with a cross at the back post and later fired a shot just wide from outside the box after Liverpool lost possession.
After the break, Liverpool emerged with renewed energy. Mabaya made a powerful run into Stoke’s penalty area, but his shot was deflected wide. Trent Kone-Doherty then squandered a golden opportunity, slicing his effort off target from a Kieran Morrison corner.
Stoke responded with their best chance of the game. Christy Grogan’s header rattled the crossbar, and Jaden Dixon’s follow-up header missed the target. Tommy Pilling also tried his luck with an audacious 35-yard volley, but it sailed over the bar.
The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute. McConnell picked up the ball, drove forward, and unleashed a shot that took a deflection before finding the back of the net. The midfielder nearly doubled his tally with another surging run, but his effort was deflected wide.
Stoke pushed for an equalizer late in the game, with Fawunmi rounding goalkeeper Harvey Davies, only to see his shot hit the side-netting from a tight angle.
Liverpool U21s will welcome Middlesbrough to the Kirkby Academy on Sunday, March 2
