The Reds were taking on Manchester United’s Under-21s on Sunday in a rivalry matchup.
Trent Kone-Doherty and Rhys Williams got the goals in a 2-0 success, but Mabaya also stood out.
Speaking post-match, U21s head coach Barry Lewtas told club media: “I thought we were brilliant. I thought we were brilliant out of possession, in the second half we were able to get closer to them and we created some real good chances.
“We were unfortunate not to have a couple of penalties, we had efforts cleared off the line, the goalkeeper saved one, but then we got the two goals. So from an idea of us trying to create and be a threat, I was really pleased.
“They were a real good team and we were up against real good players, a team with a real identity in how they wanted to play. It’ll go down as a real good win.”
On Mabaya, Lewtas added: “It’s obviously a positive for him. He’s had his injury issues and he’s been training for a while now. We just want to make sure that we’re giving him the right opportunity to get back playing, finish the season with us, but obviously really kick-start into next season as well.
“It was brilliant to get him on and we put him on in a really important part of the game as well. He’ll be over the moon.”
