Wolves stage fightback to hold U18s

Watched by a 620-strong crowd, Neil Critchley's young charges struck twice midway through the first half to race ahead - Sam Hart's header and Ryan Kent's thunderous drive both going in off the post.

However, the home team pulled one back on the cusp of half-time through Mehki Leacock-McLeod, before Niall Ennis pounced to fire the all-important equaliser with an hour played in the fixture.

The game was a lively battle from the start. Jerome Sinclair dazzled with tricky feet before arrowing high over the bar, while Leacock-McLeod latched onto a through ball and aimed an attempted chip wide of the mark.

In the 26th minute, the breakthrough arrived for Critchley's side. Kent sent a free-kick spiralling into a packed penalty area where full-back Hart rose to nod home the opener via the inside of the upright.

Sinclair was foiled by Harry Burgoyne and Andy Firth saved cleanly from Connor Hunte before Kent seized the initiative to double the Reds' lead by firing a powerful effort in off the post to double the deficit.

Liverpool looked comfortable with the two-goal cushion; however, their lead was halved on the stroke of half-time when Firth denied Ennis and Leacock-McLeod followed up to finish.

Sinclair left the crossbar shuddering with a drive 10 minutes into the second half, before Wolves substitute Nicursor Carnat smashed the woodwork at the other end with practically his first touch of the game.

On the hour mark, the home side levelled proceedings; Ennis reacted quickly to tuck the ball away and make it 2-2 after Firth parried Hunte's powerful effort.

With 15 minutes remaining, the effervescent Kent was upended as he burst into the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Will Marsh stepped up to take the penalty; however, the youngster saw his effort rebound clear off the outside of the post.

Liverpool U18s: Firth, Travis, Lewis, Sheron (Chirivella), Hart, Whelan, Marsh (Watts), Nicholas (Maxwell), Canos, Sinclair, Kent.