AcademyU21s match report: Liverpool beaten at West Ham in Premier League 2

The Hammers started the contest on the front foot at Rush Green Training Ground and worked goalkeeper Kornel Misciur in the early exchanges.

It was Callum Marshall who broke free in the box and guided a header goalbound, though the Reds stopper was able to push the effort away down to his right.

Amara Nallo was forced to intervene and clear from a clever low cross by the hosts a short while later, before Kaide Gordon dragged a shot wide of the mark in response.

Ahead of the interval in what was a battling half, the two teams traded good chances to open the scoring.

George Earthy first broke through the Liverpool back line and darted forward to create a one-v-one against Misciur.

However, the goalkeeper stood tall and met the attacker in his box to keep out his low shot and ensure the score remained level.

Kieran Morrison then sent a half-volley flashing over the bar after strong work from Gordon down the left flank saw him win the ball and drive forward to cross into the area.

The Hammers also went close via Emeka Adiele, who flicked a close-range header at the back post from a lifted cross inches wide.

Five minutes into the second half, West Ham broke the deadlock as they capitalised on a defensive error by Liverpool.

The ball broke free in the Reds' penalty area and Marshall was on hand to slide in and knock an effort past Misciur to earn his side a lead.

Joshua Ajala then directed a shot wide of the post as the home side aimed to utilise their momentum by adding to the scoreline.

The attacker eventually got his goal just after the hour mark, cutting back from the left side of the box to curl a shot into the goal via the far post.

In the closing stages, Misciur pushed away a driven shot from Preston Fearon, though he was unable to do anything about a fine finish from Mohamadou Kante moments later, with the midfielder striking a shot into the top corner of the net from outside the area for his side's third.

In the last of the meaningful action in minute 88, West Ham substitute Jethro Medine both won and took a penalty, but he saw his effort well saved by the legs of Misciur.

Team

Liverpool: Misciur, Ramsay, Lucky, Nallo, Ewing (Bradshaw, 62), Laffey, Morrison, Pilling (Pinnington, 85), Figueroa (Davidson, 46), Gordon, Kone-Doherty (Onanuga, 62).

Unused sub: Poytress.

Next up

The Reds' U21s return to match action against League Two opposition next week in the Vertu Trophy.

Liverpool travel to take on Chesterfield on Tuesday November 11 with a 7pm GMT kick-off scheduled at SMH Group Stadium.