Match reportLFC U21s exit Premier League International Cup after Palace defeat
Liverpool U21s bowed out of this season's Premier League International Cup in the quarter-finals after a 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace.
A goal from Victor Akinwale seven minutes before half-time – one contested by the Reds, who felt there was a foul in the build-up – separated the teams on Friday night.
Barry Lewtas’ side pushed hard for a second-half equaliser that would have forced extra-time at the Kirkby Academy but were thwarted by the Londoners.
A bright start from Liverpool produced a first threat on goal in the eighth minute as Luca Stephenson turned over possession with a great tackle in the centre.
Dominic Corness carried the ball to the edge of the box and dispatched a strike that was heading for the bottom corner until Owen Goodman intervened with a fine save.
Palace grew into the contest, though, and soon evaded the hosts’ offside claims to spring Dan Imray down the right flank. His delivery found Ademola Ola-Adebomi, who could only volley over the crossbar.
Tayo Adaramola then cut in from his left-hand position and saw a strike deflected just wide, before at the other end a Bobby Clark effort was diverted to the far post and Ben Doak but the latter’s header across goal went unconverted.
The young Eagles got in front on 37 minutes despite Liverpool’s fervent appeals for a foul on Billy Koumetio as the centre-back competed for a long ball with Akinwale.
But play continued and Akinwale ran clear, rounded Reds goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga and netted to hand the visitors a slender advantage at the break.
The home side upped the ante in the second half as they pressed for an equaliser, with Doak twice worrying Palace via trademark dribbles and shots that were narrowly wide and denied by the goalkeeper respectively.
Next, Layton Stewart’s hit was deflected off target, then Clark volleyed wide and the away team later survived a goalmouth scramble involving substitute Harvey Blair, Doak and Stewart.
Liverpool were frustrated by two penalty appeals for handball being waved away in the closing stages, from Koumetio’s effort to dribble into space inside the box and Doak’s cross from the right wing.
Stewart also fired wide from a stoppage-time chance and the leveller eluded Lewtas’ charges, whose participation in the tournament therefore came to an end.
Liverpool U21s: Pitaluga, Jonas, Norris, Olufunwa (Beck, 65), Koumetio, Corness, Doak, Stephenson, Stewart, Clark, Woltman (Blair, 72).
Unused subs: Hughes, McConnell, Koumas.