Liverpool’s U21’s were held at Anfield last night when they took on their eternal rivals Manchester United. Goals from Jordan Lussey and Tom Lawrence gave both sets of fans something to cheer about in an early game of the 2014/15 season.

Liverpool lined up tronger than their counterparts, who were missing the likes of James Wilson who is reportedly training with the senior side. Liverpool included the likes of Harry Wilson who last year became the youngest Wales international ever.

The game began in similar fashion to Liverpool’s game earlier in the week vs. Sunderland with the Reds on top and dominating possession. Also like earlier in the week, creating clear cut chances proved difficult.

Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo and Krisotff Peterson were the bright sparks for Liverpool in the first half while Manchester United’s Tom Thorpe the stand out talent for the Red Devils. After 25 minutes of play, the Reds had Lloyd Jones and Jordan Rossiter to thank for keeping the score goalless. Josh Harrop dispossessed Cameron Brannagan and surged at Ward with the goal at his mercy - the home duo were in the way to block his hit.

When both sides returned for the second half, Liverpool once again controlled the game. Camping in opposition territory, and an accurate, a whipped Wilson set-piece was thwarted low to his left by a diving Pereira.

And it was from a subsequent costless-kick that the Liverpool finallygot their just rewards. Peterson drew a foul with a searing dribble forward and Lussey assumed responsibility. Rightly so too, judging by the perfect low finish he fired into the far right corner for 1-0.

In a typical Manchester United fashion their response was swift and ruthless. Less than two minutes later they drew level when an intricate passing released James Weir, who offered a precise and inviting centre for Lawrence to tap into the roof of the net at close range.

Sergi Canos had entered the action as a substitute and perhaps should have secured a victory when quick thinking by Ojo played the Spaniard clean through, but the 17-year-old was smothered by Pereira and neither side could produce a winner.

In the end both sides can take heart with the 1-1 draw and even more experience playing under the lights at Anfield.

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About the author
Kevin Kelly
Journalism graduate from Dublin, Ireland.