AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool beat Hull City 5-1 in pre-season friendly

Josh Sonni-Lambie's first-half opener and efforts after the break from Ellis Hickman, Joe Bradshaw and a Scofield Lonmeni double comprised the scoring for the Reds.

Hull had replied to reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, and both sides squandered several opportunities to add to the scoresheet.

It was the visitors who offered the early threat, with Prince Cisse clearing a corner off the line and the post saving Liverpool on another occasion.

But the hosts, led by assistant manager Anthony Ryan, went on to take the lead in the 20th minute.

AJ Yeguo released impressive right-back Lenix Conde and his cross was controlled and fired into the roof of the net by Sonni-Lambie.

Sonni-Lambie almost turned provider on the half-hour mark, his pass creating a shooting chance for Hickman that the goalkeeper pushed wide.

Josh Abe tested the 'keeper again prior to the interval, while centre-back Harry Moran went close off a short-corner routine and Conde curled a lovely effort just wide.

The Reds extended their lead just a couple of minutes into the second half, Tyler Martin pulling a ball back to Hickman, who finished with a right-foot curler.

DJ Bernard then made a good save but could do nothing to stop Hull breaking from a Liverpool corner and making it 2-1 with a low shot.

Another raft of substitutes brought more success for Ryan's side, though.

Midfielder Joe Upton won the ball high and it broke for fellow substitute Lonmeni to turn it home and restore the two-goal advantage.

Cam Williams played a superb pass down the left for the industrious Martin to round the 'keeper, but Bradshaw was unable to turn home his cross.

Last season's top scorer Bradshaw was not to be denied, however, and got himself among the scoring from a Lonmeni cross with 72 minutes gone.

The Reds were a threat every time they came forward now, and Lonmeni grabbed his second with two minutes of the 90 remaining, converting a Williams corner that was flicked on by Moran.

Liverpool: Bernard, Conde (Esdaille, 62), Ayman, Moran, Cisse (Owen, 46), O'Connor (Martin, 30), Murray-Holme (Williams, 46), Hickman (Upton, 62), Abe (Lonmeni, 62), Yeguo (Sonni-Lambie, 62), Sonni-Lambie (Bradshaw, 46).