U18s: Liverpool 4-2 Bolton

Following a bright first period from David Lee and Tony Kelly’s youngsters, the Whites proceeded to break the deadlock with 55 minutes on the clock courtesy of Will Abbotts’ strike from a narrow angle which gave Reds’ keeper Ryan Crump no chance.

A deserved lead given their first half efforts, the hosts were level just two minutes later as Daniel Trickett-Smith collected the ball out wide before unleashing a powerful effort past Harry Campbell into the bottom corner of the net.

A cruel blow for Wanderers, just 60 seconds later Liverpool’s comeback was complete as following Sheyi Ojo’s mazy run and resulting cross, Rob Holding unfortunately deflected the ball into the net under pressure from Jerome Sinclair.

Visibly buoyed by their quick fire goals, the Whites had to be on their guard moments later as Trickett-Smith’s shot was cleared off the line, while Campbell denied Sergi Canos from close range after good work from Adam Phillips.

With 73 minutes on the clock however the hosts made it three through Pedro Chirivella who collected Sinclair’s cross-goal pass before tapping the ball home from close range, with the scoreline being extended just a minute later as Sinclair himself got on the scoresheet with a drilled effort.

Not to be deterred however, Wanderers reduced the deficit with a superb 25-yard effort from Christopher Cvetko late on but the frontman’s effort was in vain as the Reds held out for the victory.

Speaking following the clash, coach Lee explained that despite ultimately leaving Merseyside empty handed, he was still pleased with the efforts of his players against a highly rated Liverpool outfit.

“We were ultimately beaten by a quality trio of goals,” he said. “Games like this are always going to be a good learning curve for the team because they’re able to play against some very talented players.

“Naturally it is disappointing to end the season with a defeat, but the players will come back after the summer break stronger, more experienced and ready for a new challenge.”