Match reportMusialowski hat-trick helps U18s beat Fleetwood in FA Youth Cup
Mateusz Musialowski scored a hat-trick as Liverpool U18s began their journey in the FA Youth Cup by beating Fleetwood Town 4-0 at the Academy on Saturday evening.
Luke Chambers' opener from the penalty spot was followed up by a pair of Musialowski finishes in the first half, giving the young Reds a three-goal lead at half-time in the third-round clash.
The Polish forward then completed his treble with a deflected free-kick in the 68th minute to secure a spot in the next stage of the prestigious competition for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side.
An open start to the game presented a big chance for both teams in the first quarter of an hour.
Covy Smith hit the post for Fleetwood from inside the penalty area following Joseph Hunter's cut-back near the touchline.
At the other end, Kaide Gordon hit a lovely reverse pass to play Oakley Cannonier through on goal, though Connor Eastham in the visitors' net was quick off his line to deny the No.9.
But the Reds found their footing and took charge.
In minute 26 they were awarded a spot-kick when Gordon was fouled inside the box by Oliver Leggett. Chambers, captain for the evening, took responsibility from 12 yards out and sent the 'keeper the wrong way.
Fleetwood did have a chance to equalise but Billy Jones was off target with his shot, having latched on to a loose header back from Chambers.
Liverpool took advantage of the let-off. A heavy spell of pressure ended with Musialowski driving into the box, before he sent the ball into the far corner of the net with the calmest of finishes.
The No.11 grabbed his second in first-half stoppage time. The Reds dispossessed their opponents from a short goal-kick and the ball made its way to Musialowski, who made no mistake in front of goal again.
The visitors went more attacking after half-time but Bridge-Wilkinson's charges continued to create plenty of opportunities.
And the scoring was completed when Musialowski netted with a free-kick – won by himself, with his quick feet drawing a foul.
His effort towards goal from the left, around 20 yards out, took a deflection off the Fleetwood wall – wrong-footing the 'keeper – and went in following a touch from the post.
Liverpool U18s: Davies, Davidson, Bajcetic, Chambers, Miles, Mabaya, Frauendorf (McConnell, 45), Pilling, Gordon, Musialowski, Cannonier.
Unused substitutes: Mrozek, Scanlon, Lucky, Laffey, Danns.