AcademyU21s match report: 10-man Liverpool denied late by Southampton
Liverpool U21s were denied a valiant victory by a late goal in a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
Rob Page's team took a 20th-minute lead against former Red Adam Lallana's hosts courtesy of Tommy Pilling.
The dismissal of Amara Nallo soon after meant they played three-quarters of the contest a man down, however.
And Saints got back on terms right at the end as Nicholas Oyekunle scored from the penalty spot.
There were few attempts in the early stages at Silverlake Stadium, with Nallo sending a headed effort wide from a corner.
The Reds took the lead midway through the half, though.
Pilling provided the breakthrough by finding the bottom corner with a header after being served by Josh Davidson inside the box.
Keyrol Figueroa and Sufianu Sillah Dibaga saw attempts saved at either end before Liverpool were reduced to 10 players as Nallo was shown a straight red card.
Page responded by sacrificing Trent Kone-Doherty from his attack and introducing Noah Adekoya into the gap in defence.
Goalkeeper Armin Pecsi made several saves as Saints tried to take advantage of their personnel supremacy immediately afterwards.
The home team were understandably in control of the majority of possession with the extra player.
But Liverpool's resolve meant chances for Southampton to equalise were limited as the second half wore on.
Barnaby Williams went close with a shot from outside the area that travelled off target past the top right corner.
And Page's charges were moments from holding out when they conceded a spot-kick, Carter Pinnington fouling Oyekunle.
The Southampton player stepped up from 12 yards himself and dispatched into the bottom corner to force a share of the points.
Team
Liverpool U21s: Pecsi, Davidson, Pinnington, Nallo, Ewing, Kelly (Onanuga, 71), Morrison, Pilling, Figueroa (W. Wright, 55), Laffey, Kone-Doherty (Adekoya, 27).
Unused subs: Poytress, Bradshaw.
Next up
The U21s are back on home soil next weekend, hosting West Bromwich Albion in PL2.
Kick-off at the Kirkby Academy on Sunday February 15 is 2pm GMT and the game will be shown live on All Red Video.