AcademyU18s match report: Sonni-Lambie strikes as Liverpool win at Newcastle

The forward delivered the U18 Premier League North clash's decisive moment early in the second half for Simon Wiles' charges.

The home side had mounted some early pressure with a succession of shots, though only one drew a save from DJ Bernard.

Liverpool began to claim a majority of possession as the half wore on but were unable to translate it, or several corner kicks, into clear chances.

And stalemate continued to half-time as neither goalkeeper was unduly troubled at the Magpies' academy base.

Bernard thwarted Isaac Moran's close-range header as Newcastle again made a strong start to a half.

But the Reds made their dominance of the ball count nine minutes into the second period with a fine goal.

Erik Farkas slipped away from a marker deep on the right flank and passed to Finn Inglethorpe, who in turn fed Sonni-Lambie into the area.

The latter continued his prolific form this season by chopping inside Thomas Old and dispatching a curled finish off his left foot.

Bernard produced an important intervention to deny Michael Mills from a good opportunity for the hosts.

Liverpool crafted several openings as they sought a second goal, looking the likelier of the two teams to net.

And Sonni-Lambie will feel he should have doubled their lead having been set up by Farkas for a one-on-one 12 yards out.

This time, he fired his shot well over the bar, but his earlier effort proved enough as it remained 1-0 to the Reds at the final whistle.

Team

Liverpool: Bernard, Hickman, Ayman, Esdaille, Clarke, Murray-Holme, Abe (O'Connor, 60), Upton, Inglethorpe, Farkas, Sonni-Lambie.

Unused subs: Conde, M. Wright, Powney Wain, Lee Forrester.

Next up

Wiles' team are back in U18 Premier League North action next Saturday (January 24), hosting Burnley.

Kick-off at the Kirkby Academy will be 11am GMT.