AcademyMatch report: Liverpool U18s play out Blackpool friendly in Kirkby

The Seasiders took the lead on the stroke of half-time at the Kirkby Academy and stretched their advantage to three early in the second half.

The Reds cut the deficit through Ellis Hickman and briefly threatened a late comeback, but the away side netted their fourth before the end.

Ahead of kick-off, Blackpool remembered Diogo Jota by presenting a shirt to Liverpool in his honour, a gesture warmly appreciated by the Reds' players and staff.

Once under way, it was a tight first half with both sides struggling to create clear chances in front of goal.

Josh Sonni-Lambie produced a nice turn and shot midway through the opening period, though the Blackpool goalkeeper turned it away well.

At the other end DJ Bernard had to be strong to keep out a powerful shot after Liverpool overplayed at the back.

A fine turn, run and pass from Reds midfielder Hadyn Murray-Holme created a great chance for AJ Yeguo, though he was denied at the last by the 'keeper.

Liverpool improved and the move of the half saw a pass from Alvin Ayman lead to Yeguo's centre; however, Sonni-Lambie's finish was somehow blocked.

That miss was punished instantly just before the break as Ky-Mani Lelienda fired home an opener for Blackpool to lead at the interval.

The Reds made five changes at half-time, including three of the back four, and they were slow to get going in the second period.

A loose ball fell to striker James Butterworth, who increased the Blackpool lead to two within three minutes of the restart, while six minutes later he added a second with a looping header to make it 3-0.

Liverpool pulled one back on 65 minutes, good pressing allowing Hickman to reduce the deficit from close range.

A fightback looked possible as substitutes Finn Inglethorpe and Joe Bradshaw combined in the box for the latter to draw a stunning, full-length save from the goalkeeper.

The game became too open, though, and it was Blackpool who had the final say, Zaccai Etuhi finishing off at the back post from a right-wing cross.

Liverpool U18s: Bernard, Conde (Esdaille, 46), Ayman (Clarke, 64), Clarke (Moran, 46), Cisse (Owen, 46), Murray-Holme (Farkas, 70), Martin (Inglethorpe, 64), Yeguo, Hickman, Farkas (O'Connor, 46), Sonni-Lambie (Bradshaw, 46).