Liverpool Under-18s manager Marc Bridge-Wilkinson was left to rue a 2-2 draw at Stoke which he described as “not our finest” despite Jayden Danns’ double. The match, which took place at Clayton Wood on April 22, 2023, saw Adam Watson open the scoring midway through the first half for Stoke. Liverpool responded in the second half with Danns netting two goals in the space of 21 minutes. However, a handball two minutes before full-time gave Watson the chance to level from the spot.
The young Reds side featured 16-year-old Egyptian forward Kareem Ahmed up front, who had produced a scintillating run of form during the under-16s’ push to the semi-finals of the MIC Tournament in Spain earlier this month. Despite Danns’ brace, Liverpool were unable to finish above fifth in the U18s league and Stoke pulled clear in fourth.
Bridge-Wilkinson’s side have one league game remaining – at home to Newcastle next weekend – and after the clash with Newcastle, the U18s are set to take part in a post-season tournament, which is likely to give hints at the squad for the next campaign.