AcademyU18s beat Burnley to reach fifth round of FA Youth Cup
Liverpool U18s reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup by putting in a clinical display to beat Burnley 4-1 at the Kirkby Academy on Tuesday evening.
A pair of Mateusz Musialowski finishes, along with goals from Melkamu Frauendorf and Oakley Cannonier, helped the young Reds progress in the prestigious competition.
The victory sets up a home meeting with Chelsea for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com post-match, Bridge-Wilkinson said: "I think the performance was OK – I think we can do things a lot better.
"Credit to Burnley, they made it really difficult. They came with a game plan and tried to play forward quickly and put us under pressure. The lads coped with that quite well.
"I think everybody performed to a really good level. I know that we can play better individually and collectively, but we've got to be pleased with the result and the performance."
The hosts signalled their intent in the fourth-round tie by going ahead with just three minutes on the clock.
Bobby Clark went on a dazzling run and entered the Burnley penalty area, before losing possession following a challenge. However, Frauendorf was situated perfectly to pounce on the loose ball and thrashed it into the bottom corner.
The Reds didn't have to wait long for another goal, making it 2-0 in minute 11.
A slightly underhit goalkick out from Sam Waller was pounced on by Musialowski, who immediately charged towards goal.
The Poland youth international kept his cool in front of Waller, calmly slotting the ball beyond the onrushing goalkeeper.
Burnley did respond, however, and striker Michael Mellon went close on two occasions in a matter of minutes.
But Liverpool took control back and could have added to their lead during the remainder of the first half. Clark had a goalbound shot blocked on the line, while Cannonier headed onto the crossbar from the former's delivery.
Cannonier deservedly got on the scoresheet eight minutes after the half-time interval. Frauendorf cut inside from the left and sent a low cross into the box, where the No.9 was positioned to score with an instinctive first-time strike.
Burnley immediately hit back to make it 3-1, with Sean Etaluku on hand at the back post to convert from Dane McCullough's pass across the face of goal.
But Musialowski grabbed his second of the night to restore the Reds' three-goal advantage in the 58th minute.
The No.11 dropped his shoulder on the edge of the box, shifting the ball onto his right foot before firing towards goal. The resulting shot took a slight nick off a white shirt and left Waller helpless to keep it out.
Cannonier and Frauendorf went close to improving the scoreline, but Bridge-Wilkinson's charges closed the game out to secure their spot in the next round.
Liverpool U18s: Davies, Mabaya, Miles, Chambers, Scanlon, Bajcetic, Balagizi, Frauendorf, Musialowski, Clark (McConnell, 84), Cannonier.
Unused substitutes: Hewitson, Pilling, Lucky, Davidson, Figueroa.