AcademyU21s match report: O'Connor and Abe strike in 2-2 draw with Huddersfield

Oliver O’Connor was on the scoresheet early for Rob Page’s team, who then fell behind ahead of the break.

But the Reds rescued a draw at the AXA Training Centre through a well-taken Josh Abe goal towards the end.

Liverpool took an eighth-minute lead after good work by Joe Bradshaw on the left flank allowed O’Connor to supply the finishing touch from close range for 1-0.

As Page’s charges pressed to build upon that advantage, Prince Cisse sent an effort against a post and O’Connor’s angled strike was saved.

Huddersfield goalkeeper Hugo Bennett was proving a tough obstacle to Liverpool, thwarting Keyrol Figueroa on two occasions too.

Meanwhile, Noah Adekoya was denied by a clearance off the line.

The visitors turned the score around before the interval, however, having equalised via Luke Schofield on 22 minutes.

Jamie Spencer produced an outstanding free-kick to find the net and put Huddersfield ahead just before the pause.

And Bailey Hall ensured the deficit remained only one at half-time by foiling Schofield in a one-v-one situation.

Liverpool’s best chances during the second half included a near-post header from Bradshaw that was equalled again by Bennett.

But the Reds did level with 77 on the clock.

Josh Sonni-Lambie made ground in the Huddersfield half and served the ball to Abe – making his first appearance at U21 level – in the left channel.

Abe beat one opponent and held off another before dispatching an excellent finish from an angle.

Liverpool were the likeliest to go on and win the game, with a crucial save preventing an Adekoya header from making it 3-2.

Figueroa was unable to keep a pair of close-range volleyed strikes down in the final stages as it ended all-square.