Liverpool U21s Put Up Valiant Display Despite 5-2 Defeat to League One Opposition
Liverpool U21s put up a valiant display as they fell to a 5-2 defeat against League One opposition in the EFL Trophy. On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the young Reds took to the field at Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool in the Northern Group A match of the English Football League Trophy. Despite the scoreline, Liverpool U21s put up a brave fight against their former boss Neil Critchley and his team.
Goals from Glatzel and Musialowski Put Reds Ahead
The Reds’ starting 11 had an average age of 18.1, with Carter Pinnington, Amara Nallo, and Kieran Morrison all selected at just 16 years of age. Despite the youthful nature of the side, Liverpool U21s were able to take an early lead in the game. Paul Glatzel opened the scoring while Mateusz Musialowski turned provider.
Blackpool Fight Back to Take Lead
Liverpool bravely protected their advantage until the very end of the first half, when Albie Morgan fired home to put the hosts back on terms. That scoreline was short-lived after the break, with Kylian Kouassi making an immediate impact after replacing Karamoko Dembele at half-time and putting Blackpool in front with the first of his three goals on the evening.
Young Reds Keep Up Brave Fight
It was exactly the start to the second period Lewtas and his team would have hoped to have avoided, but they were able to recover well and keep themselves in the game in the aftermath. Liverpool U21s subsequently levelled things up with around 25 minutes left on the clock after Morrison’s shot was parried into the grateful path of Musialowski to slot home.
Kouassi Completes Hat-Trick in Injury Time
Critchley’s side pushed for a response and they were forced to wait less than 10 minutes to forge another breakthrough as Kouassi headed home an accurate cross from the right-hand side to restore Blackpool’s advantage. It was at that point that the game got away from Liverpool’s youngsters, with Kouassi completing his hat-trick by working his way through the defence and bending a shot beyond Fabian Mrozek shortly before injury time.
Spearing Makes Second-Half Substitution Appearance
34-year-old Jay Spearing was among the second-half substitutes to be introduced as he continues to act as a player-coach within the side. Andy Lyons rounded off the evening by converting from close range in the final few seconds, making the scoreline look more convincing than the Reds’ performance deserved.
Next Match: Benfica (H) – PL International Cup – Sunday, October 22, 2pm (BST)
Liverpool U21s will look to bounce back from this defeat when they face Benfica in their next match. The game is set to take place at Anfield on Sunday, October 22 at 2pm (BST). It will be a tough test for Barry Lewtas’ side, but they will be hoping to put up another valiant display and come away with a positive result.