AcademyLFC U21s draw 2-2 with Peterborough in pre-season friendly

Layton Stewart and James Norris were on the scoresheet for Barry Lewtas’ young Reds at the Academy as they twice battled back from a goal behind.

Liverpool posed the game’s first threat on five minutes when Adam Lewis’ dangerous cross from the left was touched wide by Paul Glatzel, making his return from a long-term injury.

And the visitors instead grabbed the lead with 12 on the clock. The hosts were unable to cut out a cross from the left flank and it was driven into the net by Gabe Overton.

Norris came close to restoring parity midway through the half, with his effort from distance cleared off the line after the goalkeeper had rushed out to deny Stewart.

But Stewart was only to be thwarted momentarily. A strong press in Peterborough territory by Glatzel saw the ball come to his fellow striker, who deftly turned his marker and drilled a finish home.

Peterborough regained their advantage five minutes before the interval, however, as David Kawa’s deflected hit beat the ’keeper and was awarded following an initial raised flag.

But Lewtas’ charges again mustered a quick response and six minutes after the restart, Norris provided their second equaliser of the afternoon.

Jay Spearing accelerated the Liverpool attack with an excellent pass out to the right for Mateusz Musialowski and his dinked delivery to the far post was converted by Norris.

Oakley Cannonier, who along with Glatzel clocked up 45 minutes of action on his comeback, and Luca Stephenson were later stopped in one-on-one situations as the away side prevented a winner.

The U21s will continue their pre-season schedule with a trip to Kidderminster Harriers on Friday night.