Match reportLiverpool U21s beaten by Salford City in Papa Johns Trophy opener

The young Reds gave a good account of themselves in the northern Group D contest but were ultimately downed by goals from Kevin Berkoe and Jack Jenkins.

Layton Stewart pulled one back with two minutes remaining of the 90 but Barry Lewtas' side were unable to complete the fightback against the League Two opposition.

Lewtas named a strong line-up for the encounter as he handed a start to Bobby Clark, fresh from his first-team debut on the weekend.

The two teams were evenly matched during a first half that contained few clear-cut chances.

Harvey Davies pulled off a good low save to keep out Lorent Tolaj's long-range effort, while Dominic Corness and Harvey Blair fired over for Liverpool following positive spells.

But the visitors' encouraging showing was punctured at the very end of the first period.

Elliot Simoes created space down the right and dug out a cross from the touchline aimed towards the back post, where Berkoe arrived at the right time to finish.

Salford doubled their lead on the hour mark to establish a firm grip on the three points.

Jenkins was on hand to convert a rebound after Davies had initially done well to save from Tolaj's stretching poke.

Liverpool pushed hard for a route back into the game and earned themselves a lifeline in the closing stages.

Substitute Melkamu Frauendorf's delivery from the right was brilliantly swept into the bottom corner by Stewart's first-time finish.

But Lewtas' charges had left it too late and will now look to respond in the competition when they travel to Rochdale next month.

Liverpool U21s: Davies, Mabaya, Quansah, Olufunwa, Chambers (Norris, 69), Cain, Corness (Stephenson, 84), Clark, Blair (Frauendorf, 69), Woltman (Cannonier, 78), Stewart.

Unused substitutes: Kelly, O'Rourke, Jonas.