Liverpool U21 – Manchester City U21 2-0 (0-0)
A few hours before Liverpool met Manchester United at Old Trafford, another red team played at home on Merseyside. Barry Lewtas fielded a good but depleted team against Manchester City, but still managed to take home the win. Isaac Mabaya, who has been out injured for a long time, made a comeback.
After a goalless first half, it was 17-year-old Trent Kone-Doherty who sent Liverpool into the lead after a great run. The winger, who has become a regular at the U21s in a short time, scored his tenth goal at the academy this season.
Ten minutes later, the stage was set for a goal from Rhys Williams, who has been part of Lewtas’ crew in recent weeks. The “veteran” put the ball in the goal with a great header.
– We were unlucky not to be awarded a couple of penalty kicks. We also had several chances that were cleared on the line, but there were two goals. I am very pleased with that, said the U21 manager after the match.
Lost many
Like Liverpool’s U18 team, the U21 boys have lost several of their most important players this season. Jayden Danns, who sat on the bench against Manchester United, is one of those who was very instrumental for the young reds earlier in the season.
Bobby Clark, Trey Nyoni and James McConnell are other players who have stepped up. It has given opportunities to players such as Trent Kone-Doherty (17), Carter Pinnington (17) and Amara Nallo (17), a trio who might have played a level lower otherwise.
Evigunge Jay Spearing was also in from the start again, probably to give some extra routine in an otherwise young Liverpool team.
Slik startet U21: Mrozek – Nallo, Pinnington, Williams, Miles – Davidson, Spearing, Laffey – Gordon (Pennington 90+4), Koumas (Frauendorf 87), Kone-Doherty (Mabaya 83).
Unused reserves: Furness-Gill, Kelly.