Valiant defeat in Critchley's U18s bow
Liverpool U18s suffered a 4-2 loss against Chelsea away from home on Saturday, in new boss Neil Critchley's first match in charge.
In their third league fixture of the Barclays U18 Premier League campaign - and first since returning from competitive action in America - the youngsters were beaten after entering the break ahead.
The hosts took an early lead through Kasey Palmer after 14 minutes, only for Daniel Cleary to bring the young Reds back on level terms shortly after with a rebound from a free-kick.
Adam Phillips then handed Critchley's side a half-time advantage, firing home a low finish to conclude a rapid and impressive counter-attack involving some terrific work by Ryan Kent.
But three goals in 10 second-half minutes ensured the three points went to Chelsea on the day; Palmer claiming a second before Dominic Solanke and Ambrose Gnahore sealed a 4-2 victory.
The U18s are back in action next Saturday, September 21, when they welcome Norwich to the Academy - a game which will be available to watch live on LFC TV.
U18s XI: Crump, Waldron, Hart (Roberts), Cleary, Brewitt, Burke, Wilson (O'Hanlon), Phillips, Trickett-Smith, Ojo, Kent.