Sunderland hosted Liverpool in both sides first game of the U21 league season on Tuesday day in which The Black Cats lost at the death 1-0. The game was played in blustery conditions, with some of standout performances from Ryan McLaughlin and Sunderland's Watmore.

The game began with neither team being able to take control of the game, with the conditions playing a big part in the lack of cohesive play for both sides. Eventually Liverpool began to control the game with Ryan McLaughlin the standout performer for the Reds in the first half.

Liverpool were denied what looked a clear penalty when Jordan Rossiter was brought down in the Sunderland box. Not too much later Sunderland were inches from going ahead when Watmore slotted the ball wide of the Liverpool goal following some excellent build up play by the Black Cats.

The second half began with Liverpool on top and taking control of possession. Sunderland weren’t without their own chances though, as Watmore was a constant threat for the Liverpool back line. The referee waved away calls for a Sunderland penalty early in the second half when a stray pass his Liverpool defender Lloyd Jones on the arm.

Liverpool came close when Kristoff Peterson showed superb acceleration to break away from the Sunderland defence, only for the keeper to make a fine save to his left. Liverpool’s striker Samed Yesil made his first appearance for the Reds since September 2013 following recovery from a second ACL injury since he joined Liverpool in 2012.

The game soon became end to end with both sides seconds between great chances at each end, notably the substitute Yesil who struck first time from an Ojo cross. With ten minutes to go Liverpool came the closest yet to getting the goal they deserved when McLaughlin saw his curled effort brilliantly saved by the Sunderland keeper. Liverpool missed another clear chance when Lloyd Jones headed wide from two yards.

Time and time again Sunderland defenders Morrison and McNamee made outstanding blocks from Liverpool attacks, notably from Yesil in the dying minutes. Eventually in the most spectacular of fashions Liverpool scored the winner in the 90th minute when Ryan Mclaughlin struck low and hard into the net past the despairing Sunderland.

Having won their opening game of the season Liverpool now travel to Manchester to take on their eternal rivals on Friday night.