AcademyU21s match report: Liverpool play out friendly draw against Wigan

There was a competitive and even opening period between the two teams at the Kirkby Academy.

Kieran Morrison was a particular bright spark for Rob Page's hosts, and inside 10 minutes he produced a great run before seeing his resulting shot blocked by the opposition.

Kaide Gordon then did similar from the halfway line for the Reds, though likewise had an effort halted by James Carragher in the Latics defence.

Ahead of the half-time break, the visitors countered down the left flank and delivered, but Michael Laffey was on hand to deny their advances superbly.

Liverpool responded as a ball over the top of the back four released Trent Kone-Doherty through and around the goalkeeper. However, his shot from a tight angle was denied.

The deadlock was eventually broken around the hour mark.

It was Wigan who got on the scoresheet first, netting via striker Paul Mullin as he converted a cross from the left wing.

Liverpool replied almost immediately, though, to restore parity after good play from Carter Pinnington fed in Keyrol Figueroa, who cut inside and finished into the bottom corner.

There was little between the two sides thereafter, with Reds goalkeeper Bailey Hall making a strong save in the closing minutes to leave the contest level.

Liverpool U21s: Hall, Mabaya (Ramsay, 46), Lucky (Williams, 46), Nallo (Pinnington, 60), Miles (Pitt, 60), Pilling (Onanuga, 60), Gordon (Cannonier, 60), Laffey (Davidson, 66), Koumas (Figueroa, 60), Morrison (Balagizi, 60), Kone-Doherty (Airoboma, 60).