AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool score late goals to win 4-2 at Wolves

A hugely entertaining game at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground on Saturday saw the Reds take a two-goal advantage.

Finn Inglethorpe and Erik Farkas had netted to put Simon Wiles’ team on top during the first half, but the hosts fought back well to level.

Liverpool rallied again, though, and clinched three points courtesy of late strikes from substitute Zak Coxon and, in stunning fashion, captain Inglethorpe.

The visitors almost grabbed the lead in the opening minute, a snap-shot by midfielder Ellis Hickman bringing a finger-tip save from goalkeeper Joshua Kingham.

Within a couple of minutes, opposite number Matty Wright misjudged a through ball at the other end.

A Wolves attacker was able to go around him, with the goal seemingly at his mercy, but the Reds’ ’keeper recovered to get back and reclaim the ball, helped by a good defensive block.

The home side were finding space and another foray led to a miraculous escape for Liverpool as Wolves hit the post twice in quick succession.

Then, a flowing team move gave Wiles’ charges the lead.

The impressive Farkas set AJ Yeguo away on the left and his cross found Inglethorpe, who produced a lovely finish on the turn for his fourth goal of the season.

That same combination almost brought a second soon after – but this time Inglethorpe could not quite apply the finish.

It was not long before they did make it 2-0, however. Isaiah Garin made a great interception and continued his run to the byline, pulling back a perfect cross for Farkas to fire home.

Inglethorpe and Yeguo brought further saves from Kingham as the Reds looked to be finishing the half firmly on top.

Frustratingly, though, Wolves found a way back into the contest a couple of minutes before the break, Clive Oduor putting a loose ball into the back of the net rather out of nowhere.

The second half started as a tighter affair and Wolves were level by the hour mark. Again it was somewhat out of the blue, an effort from Dapo Anunlopo finding the corner.

Wright saved twice from the dangerous Anunlopo as the hosts looked to complete the comeback, while substitute Coxon blazed over for the Reds from another good Garin centre.

Inglethorpe headed a Charlie Huth cross wide and Luca Eden teed up Coxon for an attempt that lacked real power.

Liverpool’s skipper then produced a superb shot that the goalkeeper tipped around the post – but from the subsequent corner, the Reds found a key third goal.

The initial cross was returned low into the middle by Inglethorpe and Coxon was there to control and find the net.

Deep into injury time, Inglethorpe crafted the best moment of a superb match, launching his shot over the goalkeeper from near the centre-circle after the Reds won back possession.

Team

Liverpool: M. Wright, Garin (Ekiugbo, 77), Owen (Murray-Holme, 70), Conde, Clarke, Hickman, Phillips, Huth, Farkas (Eden, 60), Inglethorpe, Yeguo (Coxon, 46).

Unused subs: Hilditch, Moran.

Goals: Inglethorpe (17, 90+6), Farkas (29), Coxon (87).

Next up

Liverpool are next in league action on Saturday September 12, hosting Burnley at the Kirkby Academy. Kick-off that day is 11am BST.