Liverpool U18s faced Everton U18s in a thrilling mini-derby that ended in a 2-2 draw. The match saw Trey Nyoni, a surprise starter, make an impact for Liverpool. Despite being part of the U21 squad that secured a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, Nyoni chose to play in the U18s’ Merseyside derby. This decision paid off as he demonstrated his skills on the field.
Nyoni, who has been training with the first team and has already made his debut, joined a strong Liverpool side that included the impressive Kieran Morrison. This match marked Nyoni’s first league appearance for the U18s since October, as he had been primarily playing with the U21s.
In an action-packed first half, Nyoni and his teammates tested Everton goalkeeper George Pickford with several attempts. However, Pickford proved to be a formidable opponent, denying their efforts. It was Everton who took the lead just before halftime when Joel Catesby capitalized on a defensive error to score.
Liverpool dominated the second half and eventually found an equalizer through Kareem Ahmed. Morrison played a crucial role in the build-up, setting up left-back Harry Evers to assist Ahmed’s goal. Despite their dominance, Liverpool conceded again as full-time approached, with George Finney finding the back of the net for Everton. However, Liverpool quickly responded through substitute Ranel Young, who scored a fantastic solo goal after leading a counter-attack from an Everton corner.
Although Liverpool might have felt disappointed not to secure a win after being the better side for most of the game, there were promising signs of improvement following a recent run of defeats. The draw showcased the talent and resilience of the young Reds.
The Liverpool U18s lineup for the match included Misciur in goal, supported by Esdaille, Pitt, Lucky, and Evers in defense. Laffey, Nyoni, and K.Kelly controlled the midfield, while Morrison, Bradshaw, and Ahmed led the attack. Substitutes Young and Sonni-Lambie also made significant contributions to the match.
The next challenge for Liverpool U18s is an away match against Newcastle in the U18 Premier League. This upcoming fixture presents another opportunity for the team to showcase their abilities and strive for victory.