AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool edged out by Man City in season-opener

Simon Wiles’ side began their first competitive fixture of 2026-27 well on Saturday morning, with Josh Abe denied by the goalkeeper after cutting in off the right flank.

City’s Ben Vickery also made good saves from AJ Yeguo, who had opened up a shooting chance from the opposite wing, and then Reds captain Finn Inglethorpe.

The hosts went ahead on 18 minutes, though.

They had threatened to do so just prior, forcing a goalline clearance by Lucas Clarke from a low cross and Cam Williams having to produce a vital block too.

But when Liverpool were then unable to clear a corner kick into their box, Teddie Lamb capitalised to score from close range.

Williams sent an effort from distance not too far wide as the Reds tried to deliver a quick response to the concession.

The chances kept coming and another for Liverpool was crafted through Williams’ excellent ball over the top.

It released Inglethorpe into a one-v-one situation against Vickery in which the City stopper prevailed to keep it 1-0.

Matty Wright was alert to prevent Archie Thornton from claiming the home team’s second, as it remained tight at half-time.

However, City doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half.

A corner delivery to the back post picked out Thornton in space and he headed the ball in to increase the Reds’ task.

Wiles’ side almost responded immediately, and in similar fashion.

Haydn Murray-Holme served in a deep corner that came to Inglethorpe, whose driven effort hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out.

Wright made a number of impressive saves during the second half to prevent City from adding to their advantage.

And the visitors halved the deficit near the end from the penalty spot, substitute Luca Eden having been brought down amid a burst into the area.

Inglethorpe was on duty from 12 yards and dispatched his kick as the ’keeper went the other way.

Liverpool launched strong claims for another penalty in stoppage time – Harvey Owen going down inside the box – but the officials decided otherwise and City held on to all three points.

Team

Liverpool U18s: M. Wright, Huth (Owen, 89), Williams, Conde, Clarke, Murray-Holme, Abe (Garin, 65), Phillips, Inglethorpe, Hickman (Eden, 70), Yeguo.

Unused subs: Hilditch, Moran, Majekodunmi, Coxon.

Goal: Inglethorpe (88)

Next up

The Reds play their first home league game of the campaign on Saturday August 22, hosting Middlesbrough.

Kick-off is 12.30pm BST and the match will be streamed live on All Red Video.