AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool beaten 4-3 away at Sunderland

Vincent Joseph made his debut at the level for the Reds and marked it memorably with the opening goal at the Academy of Light.

The forward, who only turned 16 in January, put Simon Wiles’ side in front on 10 minutes having been set up by Erik Farkas.

It was quickly 2-0 to the visitors, too, with La’more Lee Forrester finding the net just three minutes later.

Sunderland rallied, however, and they cut their deficit back to one midway through the half. Marcus Neill headed home from a corner delivery.

And they got back on level terms four minutes into the second period, Lewis Campbell beating Bailey Hall from a narrow angle on the left.

It was the beginning of a flurry from the Black Cats as they swiftly got two goals in front. Tom Proctor supplied their third from outside the box and Triziano Wilson converted a close-range header.

There were further efforts by the home team to enhance that lead, but instead it was Liverpool who scored again before the end.

Substitute Lenix Conde provided the response three minutes into added time, finding the far side of the net from the right-hand side.

But it proved only a consolation as Sunderland saw out the remainder to prevail.

Team

Liverpool: Hall, O’Connor, Owen (Conde, 67), Cisse, Clarke, Murray-Holme (Konde, 67), Lee Forrester, Eden, Joseph (Garin, 87), Farkas, Yeguo (Hickman, 67).

Unused sub: Hilditch.

Next up

Liverpool are back on the road after the international break, visiting Nottingham Forest on Saturday April 11.

Kick-off in the league clash at Nigel Doughty Academy will be 12pm BST.