AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool battle back in 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough

Eamonn Tohill’s goal punctuated a mostly dominant performance by the away club during the opening 45 minutes at the Kirkby Academy.

Finn Inglethorpe brought the Reds level early in the second half, but Tohill restored Boro’s advantage just shy of the hour mark.

A composed finish by Inglethorpe then created parity again – and it remained that way to full-time.

After an even beginning, Liverpool needed a spot of excellent recovery defending from centre-back Lenix Conde.

Boro’s Joey Tremain had burst into space to the left of the penalty area and Conde had several yards to make up – but did so calmly and timed a halting tackle perfectly.

The Reds were unable to keep the visitors out on 18 minutes, however.

Austin Pawlak spotted – and executed – a pass from deep to Tohill on the edge of the box, and he retained his balance amid pressure to slot a low finish past Matty Wright.

Liverpool’s chief threats were coming from AJ Yeguo’s frequent bettering of his man down the left flank, but true chances were minimal.

Joseph Jones failed to make the most of a Middlesbrough corner delivery to the near post, the ball bouncing off him and going wide.

That was the first of a series of let-offs for the home team.

Tohill hit the side-netting from a close-range one-on-one with Wright and then substitute Zak Coxon cleared Finlay Turner’s strike off the line.

Another Turner attempt was deflected marginally wide, before the Reds almost snatched an equaliser in added time.

Yeguo again bamboozled his way into space and sent a ball to the back post, where Charlie Huth stumbled on his touch at the crucial moment.

Simon Wiles’ side emerged for the second half with clear intent and drew level within four minutes.

Coxon and Ellis Hickman’s well-timed press won possession and the former quickly fed it forward to Inglethorpe, who shifted past the last defender and nestled his finish home.

There was a sigh of relief soon after for Liverpool as a low cross was inadvertently touched towards his own net by Harvey Owen – but Wright reacted to claim it.

The home ’keeper then denied Turner when he was sprung clear, but Boro’s strong response led to them taking the lead again on 59.

Wright made a good double save from Lucca Kakai and Evan Simmons at the end of a counter-attack, only for the rebound to be converted by Tohill.

The buoyant away team pushed on and Wright had to get his body in the way of a Kakai effort from a tight angle.

Back came Liverpool and Inglethorpe equalised a second time in minute 71.

Yeguo was at the heart of it once more, twisting into room on the wing and sending in a cross that was not properly cleared. Inglethorpe crashed the loose ball into the ground and into the left corner.

Both teams pushed for a winner right to the end, though the final whistle arrived with the score still locked at 2-2.

Team

Liverpool: M. Wright, Garin (Majekodunmi, 73), Owen, Conde, Clarke, Phillips (Coxon, 36), Huth, Murray-Holme, Inglethorpe, Hickman, Yeguo (Moran, 83).

Unused subs: Hilditch, Ekiugbo, Garan.

Goals: Inglethorpe (49, 71)

Next up

The Reds are back in action on Tuesday (August 25) to start their U18 Premier League Cup campaign.

Brighton & Hove Albion are the visitors to the Kirkby Academy for an 11am BST kick-off.