AcademyYouth League match report: Kone-Doherty strikes late to give Liverpool win over PSV

The attacker netted with a header during the second phase of a Kieran Morrison corner kick at the Kirkby Academy.

With the three points, Rob Page's side guaranteed progress into the knockout phase of the tournament.

The opening half got up and running in competitive fashion as both teams battled to dominate the ball.

Prince Cisse first provided a strong block for the Reds from Benjamin Khaderi, while a low ball into the area after a driving run down the left from Alvin Ayman was cleared.

Amir Bouhamdi proved to be a bright spark for the visitors as he worked Bailey Hall from distance, ahead of producing a dart into the box.

In response, Morrison went close on two occasions, his first coming from 20 yards out after collecting a loose ball, forcing goalkeeper Kane Aerts into his first save.

His second effort worked the best chance of the first half as he collected the ball on the right flank, before advancing forward into the area to dance past two defenders and drive an effort inches past the far post.

A short while later, Morrison turned provider, swinging a corner deep to the far post, where Carter Pinnington was unable to aim his header down on target, with the ball looping just over the bar.

PSV, meanwhile, saw Shuryjano Cornecion break free of his marker in the box ahead of the interval, but he was unable to keep a cutback down and on target.

The second period began with Liverpool looking the more likely of the two teams to break the deadlock.

Joe Bradshaw threatened with a vicious volley after Morrison's cross fell into his path, though the effort flew over Aerts' goal.

PSV then worked a good opportunity themselves, Manuel Bahaty sprinting down the right flank to deliver for Austyn Jones, but his sliding effort inside the six-yard box clipped the outside of the goalframe.

Morrison continued to offer much of the attacking threat for the Reds, his latest effort coming via a free-kick, forcing a strong one-handed save from just outside the box.

As the contest entered the final stages, Bouhamdi went close once more for PSV, jinking into the box to shoot past the post.

Morrison again tried his luck from distance and Aerts was equal to it, ahead of striking another set-piece that fell onto the top of the net from 25 yards.

However, just as the match looked likely to end level, Kone-Doherty delivered the all-important difference in minute 90.

Morrison's corner looped into the area and Pinnington won a header after a poor PSV clearance, leaving Kone-Doherty free to secure a vital flick-on to find the back of the net.

Team

Liverpool: Hall, Bradshaw, Cisse (Murray-Holme, 49), Lucky, O'Connor, Pinnington, Morrison, Ayman, Upton, Kone-Doherty, Sonni-Lambie (Inglethorpe, 69).

Unused subs: Bernard, M. Wright, Owen, Hickman, Farkas, Lee Forrester.

Next up

Liverpool U18s return to domestic action on Saturday morning (November 29) at the Kirkby Academy.

The Reds will host Manchester United in an U18 Premier League North contest (11am GMT kick-off), which will be available to watch via All Red Video.