Ryan Kent starred for Liverpool U21s on Thursday evening as the highly-rated 18-year-old netted a superb brace as the young Reds overcame Everton U21s 3-1 in the mini-derby at Goodison Park.

The hosts initially took the lead after Harry Charsley converted from close-range after meeting Ryan Ledson's cross. But Kent drew his side level just minutes later, dropping his shoulder to beat Ledson before a long-range effort bounced up and over Russell Griffiths.

After the break, Kent struck again from long-range, unleashing a fierce strike which flew in off the inside of the post, before Sheyi Ojo confidently dispatched his penalty to move Liverpool's youngsters just two points away from Manchester United at the top of the table.

David Unsworth's Everton started off the better side, putting more pressure on their Merseyside neighbours. They eventually made the young Reds deservedly pay in the 23rd minute, when England U19s captain Ledson was given enough space down the left to find Charsley at the far post with a well-timed cross, and the Irish midfielder tapped in from only a few yards out.

But the visitors responded well, bringing themselves level through the lively figure of Kent - who shone in a no.10 role behind Samed Yesil. Opening his body up after dummying Ledson, Kent curled an effort from 20-yards which Griffiths could not keep out.

The fast paced tempo of the game meant plenty of chances for both sides. The Reds could have found themselves in-front through Yesil - who only recently returned from a lengthy lay-off - but the German forward's finish at the near post was found wanting.

Everton's David Henen was the next to threaten, cutting inside from the right and firing a shot narrowly over Ryan Fulton's crossbar - whilst Yesil forced Griffiths into a diving save before half-time after good work from Harry Wilson.

The tie was finely poised and Wilson, who scored a sensational 93rd minute winner the last time the two teams met, almost broke the deadlock five minutes into the second-half - but he dragged his finish well wide of the mark despite a clever turn.

But it was Kent - who signed a new deal with the club only last month - who would steal the spotlight. The Oldham-born teenager put his injury setbacks behind him, picking up possession and sending a powerful strike that found the back of the net after rattling in off the post from 25-yards.

From there on in, Liverpool enjoyed more of the game and almost put the game to bed 12 minutes before the end of time - but Joe Maguire's strike flew the wrong side of the past.

But with only a few minutes remaining, Sheyi Ojo, recently returned from his loan with Championship side Wigan Athletic, was brought down by Brendan Galloway inside the box. The 19-year-old stepped up himself and buried the resulting spot-kick to give his side a two-goal cushion.

It was almost made to be a nervy finish after Callum Dyson tried his luck, but Fulton was on hand to produce a stellar save and ensure Michael Beale's side took the three points in their neighbours' backyard.

The result means Liverpool U21s close the gap to United to just two points with three games left of the campaign, whilst Everton U21s drop into the relegation zone in a tightly-contested Barclays U21 Premier League table - but they have a game in hand over Fulham in the position above them.

Speaking after the game, Liverpool U21s' boss Beale said: "Ryan’s had a long time out so we’re really pleased with where he’s at. His back’s perfect, that’s his third start.

"I actually thought he had a better performance last week at Tottenham (in a 3-1 win for Liverpool) but tonight he’s got those goals after scoring last week too – so at the moment he's in a really good place.

"We don’t want to go overboard because I thought Harry Wilson was very good and the two lads who have obviously came back from Wigan were very good as well.

"We played 3-diamond-3 and were saying to Connor Randall he could step from centre-back into midfield and back again and Connor has really come on. The other big one is Corey Whelan on his second start, a second year scholar who hasn’t put a foot wrong. I thought that was a complete performance tonight because I really do respect the opponent.

"Everton a good side and for whatever reason at the moment the ball isn’t going in the goal for them but they’re one of the better sides we’ve played this year. Both clubs have got a lot to look forward to.

"Like us they send a lot out on loan. It's a very similar philosophy and there’s lots of good young players in this part of the world and both clubs are healthy for that.

"It was our night and we’ve got a tough week now and we’re looking forward to Monday now and Leicester."