After a thrilling 4-3 win last week, Neil Critchley`s under 18's were back to reality with a tough test against a buoyant Blackburn Rovers side which included former red Lewis Travis, who left Merseyside in the summer to join Blackburn.
Liverpool however were missing their main striker, Toni Gomes, who managed to net three goals last week but also picked up a hamstring injury, which was a devastating blow for the Portuguese 16-year-old.
Liverpool began in a 3-4-3 formation, and there was a start for the talented Shamal George who took the place of Owen Wheeler in the Liverpool net. Corey Whelan returned to his natural age group after a spell in Michael Beal's under-21 side recently. The assured duo of Conor Masterson from Lucan in Dublin and George Johnson continued in defence.
Kris Owens and Herbie Kane made up the two wing-back positions, while the captain, Trent Arnold, back fresh from his first team experience over the summer, partnered debutant Liam Coyle.
The former Arsenal man, Ovie Ejaria played alongside yet another debutant in Ben Woodburn, and the intricate duo played behind the highly rated, Yann Dhanda who was found in a unfamiliar number nine role.
Early goal for Blackburn
After the hectic game last week, Rovers pressured Liverpool`s defensive line early on, much like Middlesbrough did last week, and their high pressure paid off within three minutes. Blackburn's right winger, Tre Pemberton forced the ever-impressive Trent Alexander Arnold into an unusual mistake, and the Liverpool-born captain was forced into a rash challenge which concluded with referee Ben Harrison pointing to the spot.
Lewis Hardcastle sent George the wrong way in routine fashion, and Liverpool found themselves a goal down after just three minutes.
Blackburn came close to doubling their lead when Joe Grayson, son of Simon Grayson, fired his shot towards the Liverpool goal, but the teenager couldn’t find the back of the net. Soon after that Liverpool almost replied when Arnold, who was slowly growing into the game, sent Herbie Kane through on goal, but the Bristol born midfielder was off balanced and couldn’t equalise for the home side.
Blackburn continued their pressure throughout the first half with the impressive George in between the Liverpool sticks and his quick thinking denying Blackburn further goals, with the Liverpool keeper twice sweeping the ball up while he also made a darting run 20 yards out of his goal to clear the ball with a header.
Debutant Coyle was impressive in midfield as he marshalled the defence and gave orders to his midfield counterparts, an impressive attribute for the 15-year-old.
Two-nil before half-time
Conor Masterson blocked a clear goalscoring chance as he denied Rovers from doubling their lead, although the second goal came soon after as George, Masterson and Coyle were helpless, Lewis Mansell taking full advantage of a Dhanda mistake, with Blackburn taking a 2-0 lead into the half-time break.
The second half saw Liverpool return to a more familiar back four, but the extensive pressure continued on Blackburn's behalf with the clever Stefan Mols pulling the strings in midfield, while the lively Tre Pemberton saw his close range shot, destined for the top corner, denied by George again in the Liverpool goal.
Blackburn add gloss to the scoreline
George Johnston couldn’t deal with the aerial force of Lewis Mansell, and the Blackburn striker all but sealed victory for his side with 35 minutes remaining as he powerfully headed the ball down into the net.
It was almost 4-0 soon after, as Lewis Hardcastle was denied his second goal of the game as the linesman flagged for offside. However, the fourth goal came on the 90th minute, when Corey Whelan turned the ball into his own net to round off a dismal day for the young Reds.
Liverpool never really got into the game, and in truth, it was a difficult game for 16-year-old Yann Dhanda who, given the tough task of playing in the unfamiliar role of a lone striker, was no match for the uncompromising centre-back duo of Lewis Hardcastle and Michael Platt.
Liverpool travel to West Brom next week, as Yann Dhanda makes a return to his former club, and Alex Inglethorpe and Neil Critchley will be hoping that the young Reds improve and bounce back with a much-needed win.