AcademyLiverpool U21s beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in friendly

First-half goals from Ranel Young and James Balagizi earned victory for the young Reds.

Young’s opener arrived with 20 minutes played after Balagizi and Kieran Morrison combined neatly on the edge of the penalty area.

Isaac Mabaya then twice went close to scoring before Balagizi, making his return from injury, netted on the stroke of half-time. Rio Ngumoha was the provider with a delivery from the left and Balagizi struck an angled finish.

Blackburn’s Joe Boggan pulled a goal back just a minute into the second half but Liverpool responded well and both Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty almost made it 3-1 before full-time.

Team

Liverpool: Misciur, Mabaya, Pilling, Pinnington, Nallo, Laffey (Spearing, 80), Kone-Doherty (Ahmed, 80), Balagizi (Onanuga, 65), Young (Figueroa, 75), Morrison, Ngumoha (Cannonier, 46).

Next up

The U21s return to competitive action on Sunday April 6 when they visit Brighton & Hove Albion in Premier League 2.