A Liverpool Underneath-21s aspect that includes three 16 yr olds put up a valiant show as they fell to a 5-2 defeat in opposition to League One opposition within the EFL Trophy.
Blackpool 5-2 Liverpool U21s
EFL Trophy, Bloomfield RoadOctober 10, 2023
Targets: Morgan 45+3′, Kouassi 46′, 75′, 89′, Lyons 90+6′; Glatzel 30′, Musialowski 66′
It was an especially younger aspect that took to the sector in opposition to Blackpool in what was at all times prone to be a major check for Barry Lewtas‘ aspect.
The Reds’ beginning 11 had a median age of 18.1 years, with Carter Pinnington, Amara Nallo and Kieran Morrison all chosen at simply 16 years of age.
Liverpool U21s had been additionally developing in opposition to their former boss Neil Critchley, who spent seven years on the membership and had spells at numerous ranges of the academy system.
The youthful nature of the aspect made their early lead all of the extra spectacular, with Paul Glatzel opening the scoring as Mateusz Musialowski turned supplier.
The pair had been the one two recognised forwards in what was in any other case a slightly defensive matchday squad and the Reds had been quickly required to name upon these attributes.
Liverpool bravely protected their benefit till the very finish of the primary half, when Albie Morgan fired residence to place the hosts again on phrases.
That scoreline was short-lived after the break, with Kylian Kouassi making a direct affect after changing Karamoko Dembele at half-time and placing Blackpool in entrance with the primary of his three objectives on the night.
It was precisely the begin to the second interval Lewtas and his workforce would have hoped to have prevented, however they had been in a position to get well effectively and hold themselves within the recreation within the aftermath.
The younger Reds subsequently levelled issues up with round 25 minutes left on the clock after Morrison’s shot was parried into the grateful path of Musialowski to fit residence.
Critchley’s aspect pushed for a response and so they had been pressured to attend lower than 10 minutes to forge one other breakthrough as Kouassi headed residence an correct cross from the right-hand aspect to revive Blackpool’s benefit.
It was at that time that the sport bought away from Liverpool’s kids, with Kouassi finishing his hat-trick by working his manner by way of the defence and bending a shot past Fabian Mrozek shortly earlier than damage time.
34-year-old Jay Spearing was among the many second-half substitutes to be launched as he continues to behave as a player-coach inside the aspect.
Andy Lyons rounded off the night by changing from shut vary within the ultimate few seconds, making the scoreline look extra convincing than the Reds’ efficiency deserved.
Liverpool U21s: Mrozek; Davidson, Pinnington, Nallo, Miles; McConnell, Pilling (Spearing 83′), Onanuga (Jonas 75′); Musialowski (Pitt 88′), Morrison, Glatzel
Subs not used: Kelly, Pennington, Furnell-Gill
Subsequent match: Benfica (H) – PL Worldwide Cup – Sunday, October 22, 2pm (BST)
