Match reportBen Doak strike earns U21s derby victory over Everton
Liverpool U21s came from behind to earn a 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton at the Academy on Saturday afternoon.
Stanley Mills opened the scoring for the visitors but goals from Jake Cain and Ben Doak saw the Reds earn the Premier League 2 spoils.
The Toffees started off on the front foot, twice forcing Harvey Davies into impressive saves as the goalkeeper ensured the scores remained level.
Everton, though, had their advantage after just eight minutes with Mills breaking free at a corner to prod home a loose ball.
Liverpool responded as Doak caused a scramble in the box while Jarell Quansah and Lee Jonas both headed over the bar from close range.
Barry Lewtas saw his side haul themselves back on terms on the half-hour as good pressing from Cain forced the visitors into a mistake, with the midfielder pouncing to lift the ball into the back of the net from inside the area.
Following the interval, the game struggled to develop into a pattern of play with neither side able to assert full control.
Pressure was finally applied by the Reds when substitute James McConnell struck the post with a low drive from distance to signal renewed intent.
Everton were forced into three last-ditch blocks at the resulting corner with Liverpool searching for an elusive winner as they pushed the Blues back.
Doak – who had offered a constant attacking threat on the right side – broke free to latch onto a ball over the top with 17 minutes remaining in what proved a decisive move.
The Scot cut inside thanks to tricky feet and unleashed an effort at goal that wrong-footed Zan-Luk Leban to settle into the back of the net.
He almost added a second just two minutes later following the restart with another mazy run, though Leban halted his advances.
Everton attempted a late reply with substitute Katia Kouyate striking the outside of the post, but the visitors were being kept at range in their bid to level.
Davies was again called into action in added time at the end of the encounter, saving low from Isaac Price to ensure the points were safe.
Liverpool U21s: Davies, Ramsay (McConnell, 45), Chambers, Quansah, Jonas, Corness, Musialowski (Koumas, 86), Stephenson, Doak (Miles, 90+3), Cain, Frauendorf.
Unused substitutes: Kelly, Spearing.