AcademyU18s match report: Liverpool suffer late defeat by Everton in mini-derby

An unfortunate own goal put the home side in front during a first half that concluded with La'more Lee Forrester striking back for the Reds.

There were openings in each box in the second period and one was taken - by the Toffees' Ademide Akarakiri four minutes from the end to win it.

The early and ongoing physical battles at Finch Farm were befitting of a derby - and the Reds needed two firm challenges to keep the Blues out.

Both were provided by defender Lucas Clarke, his timely tackles thwarting opposition namesake Justin and then Jonathan Nsangou.

The in-form Josh Sonni-Lambie threatened at the other end for Liverpool with a cut infield and strike that cleared the goalframe.

Kornel Misciur made a pair of good saves, first from Akarakiri's free-kick and next to deny an Nsangou curler.

The home team's noses were in front just prior to the half-hour mark, though.

Shea Pita got into space on the left-hand side and from his low cross, Prince Cisse's attempt to clear on the stretch instead sent the ball into his own net.

Everton could have doubled that advantage when Lewis Evans was set up free inside the area but the chance was squandered as the final shot hit his own teammate.

And instead, Liverpool drew level on the cusp of the interval.

Ellis Hickman and Erik Farkas combined in the build-up to create for Lee Forrester, who, from the right of goal, equalised with a dinked finish.

Early in the second half, Sonni-Lambie saw an effort saved after a neat one-two with Josh Abe carved out an opportunity.

Pita might have put the Blues back in front with an hour gone but fired off target from a tight angle.

As the game remained on a knife-edge, Oliver O'Connor forced a good save having driven into the area.

Cisse headed narrowly too high from the resulting corner kick as it seemed nothing was going to separate the rivals before the final whistle.

But Akarakiri claimed the winner for Everton via a deflection when a corner was not cleared by Liverpool moments from full-time.

Team

Liverpool U18s: Misciur, Hickman, Williams (Ayman, 46), Cisse, Clarke, Murray-Holme (Upton, 55), Abe, O'Connor, Lee Forrester, Farkas, Sonni-Lambie.

Unused subs: M. Wright, Owen, Conde.

Next up

The young Reds are back at the Kirkby Academy next weekend to host Leeds United in U18 Premier League North.

Kick-off is 11am GMT on Saturday February 14.