Liverpool's U21s completed the opening stage of the Barclays U21 Premier League season unbeaten after a 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace.

Goals from Daniel Pacheco, Adam Morgan, Samed Yesil and Jon Flanagan secured a comfortable win for Alex Inglethorpe's side at the Academy to top Group 3 with nine victories and three draws from 12 fixtures.

Pacheco launched a shot straight from kick-off which the visiting goalkeeper was forced to punch away for a corner, while Morgan saw an effort cleared off the line in the fourth minute.

Morgan sent a drifting lob close just minutes later as Inglethorpe's side started quickly, before Danny Ward had to react smartly to deny a drive by Kwesi Appiah on the quarter-hour.

Pacheco guided the Reds in a rapid counter-attack and when the ball rebounded to the Spaniard, he glided past several defenders before clipping an attempt back towards goal - well handled by the 'keeper.

Seconds later, Pacheco was afforded far too much time and he took advantage with a pinpoint punt from distance, only for Ross Fitzsimmons to match the strike again with a stretching dive.

The match was almost becoming a one-on-one duel, with Fitzsimmons leaping high to his left to tip another Pacheco blast wide of the post.

Palace reacted, with one-time Reds youth Jason Banton beating Flanagan and working Ward from the edge of the box.

With five minutes of the opening period remaining, two inswinging corners by Morgan found Jack Robinson completely free at the back post - but the defender's weak headers dribbled wide on each occasion.

The misses did not cost Liverpool, however, as Pacheco finally beat Fitzsimmons. The Spaniard claimed his fourth goal of the season after a lengthy dribble and crisp finish across the 'keeper from 20 yards.

A mistake by Stephen Sama almost gifted a goal to the bustling Appiah but Flanagan covered effectively to ensure that the Reds entered the break with their lead intact.

Within a minute of the restart, it was 2-0 to the hosts. Krisztian Adorjan's left-footed strike was beaten out by Fitzsimmons but Morgan was on hand from the right to poach a simple tap-in.

A period of terrific build-up from the Reds released Brad Smith on the left. His centre arrived at Marc Pelosi, who struck an impressive half-volley which sailed narrowly over.

German striker Yesil made a return from injury when introduced as a second-half substitute, after Matthew Parsons thrashed a low strike beyond Ward to reduce the arrears for Palace.

It did not take long for Yesil to make an impact either, latching onto a precise through ball from Craig Roddan to perfectly dink a finish over the outcoming Fitzsimmons and restore a two-goal cushion.

The Reds rounded off an impressive performance when Flanagan linked well with Morgan and Yesil to bustle a shot past Fitzsimmons and claim a fourth.