AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool edged out 2-1 by Middlesbrough

Goals from Ezra Tika-Lemba and Tyler Smith put the visitors in control inside the opening half-hour at the Academy.

The Reds kept at their work throughout the final home game of their campaign but a goal eluded them until added time.

Oliver O’Connor converted a rebound with 92 on the clock as a consolation.

Boro were immediately on the front foot in Kirkby, with Tika-Lemba’s low effort tipped around the post by Matt Wright.

The same player was not to be denied on three minutes, though.

From a crossfield pass left to right, Tika-Lemba capitalised on a misjudged interception by Harvey Owen to run into space and thrash a shot across Wright into the opposite corner.

Joe Bradshaw was not far away from supplying a quick response. The forward held up the ball nicely on the left edge of the opposition area and whipped a curler just off target.

As the Reds responded well, Smith got his body in the way to deflect an O’Connor drive the wrong side of the post.

Play was halted on the quarter-hour following an aerial challenge that grounded Liverpool defender Prince Cisse, who was unable to continue.

Wright made a good stop with an outstretched leg to deny Lucca Kakai and also pushed over Cayden Cole’s driven effort from 20 yards.

But the Reds goalkeeper could do nothing about the visitors’ second.

After building up along the right flank in the 26th minute, Lucas Harrison served the ball across the box for Smith, who arced a brilliant right-footer into the top corner.

A decent Ellis Hickman attempt from distance was shovelled away, before the Liverpool midfielder slashed a nearer, better shooting chance wide.

Simon Wiles’ side – who were watched by senior captain Virgil van Dijk – began the second period well and a fine pass slid in behind by Erik Farkas had Bradshaw’s eyes lighting up.

Bradshaw held off his marker and fired in a low finish that Boro goalkeeper Trystan Hounsell reacted well to, diving to halt.

A slick, short-passing move from the Reds almost resulted in a deficit-reducer but the final ball unfortunately got stuck under Hickman’s feet when free in the middle.

Kakai shot straight at Wright from a good position at one end. At the other, O’Connor hit the side-netting having been teed up nicely by Isaac Konde.

Persistently a threatening presence for Boro to deal with, Bradshaw was again foiled by a Hounsell save after bringing down a long pass and attacking the area.

Five minutes from the end, Zak Coxon skipped free down the right and lofted in a great delivery for an unmarked La’more Lee Forrester, who could not keep his header down.

Wright then added another impressive stop to his performance to prevent Harrison netting a third for the away team yards out.

Liverpool finally got the goal their efforts merited two minutes into added time. Lee Forrester got in behind and rattled the post, with O’Connor on hand to scoop in the loose ball.

But with mere minutes remaining in the game, a full comeback was out of reach.

Team

Liverpool: M. Wright, O’Connor, Owen, Cisse (Ayman, 18 (Lee Forrester, 64)), Clarke, Murray-Holme, Farkas, Upton, Bradshaw (Coxon, 75), Hickman, Konde (Huth, 70).

Unused sub: Hilditch.

Next up

The U18s’ competitive campaign will conclude next Saturday (May 9) with a league trip to Derby County.

Kick-off at Derby’s academy will be 12pm BST.