Liverpool U18s lost 5-3 to Fulham in the Premier League U18 Academy Cup on Saturday.It was a tough scoreline for the Young Reds with both teams engaging in a thrilling encounter in Kirkby.
A stunning own goal from Trey Nioni and another from Jayden Danns gave Mark Bridge-Wilkinson’s hosts a 2-1 lead at half-time.But Fulham leveled at half-time and forced extra-time in the second half, Wellity Lackey’s half-time header giving Liverpool some consolation.
There were early signs that something was about to happen when Keyrol Figueroa made a dangerous save for the home team and Tom Ollyott made a poor save against Cornell Missouri.
No wonder the first goal came after 14 minutes. Callum Osmond’s low shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner to give Fulham the lead. But four minutes later, the Reds were level again and it was a truly spectacular goal.
Nyoni out-rushed defenders in the box, beat other defenders in the box and tapped home for a superb individual effort. The summer recruit turned provider after just 10 minutes and helped Liverpool take the lead. Nyoni’s overhead pass provided Dunns with a clean finish and he continued his run of goals in every U18 game this season, finishing past the keeper from a tight angle.
However, the counter-attack continued after Fulham equalized two minutes later, centre-back Jonathan Essenga curling home a left-footed free-kick from a dangerous position on the edge of the box.Nyoni continued to impress and his brilliant pass put Afolimi Onanuga on target 10 minutes before the break, but the Reds midfielder could not control the ball enough.
Fulham hit the post twice before the break. With the match still eventful, Misciur made a great block to stop a shot.The second half started with Figueroa scoring well into the bottom corner but the assistant referee flagged the ball for offside early on. Ten minutes later, Luckie headed in a Ben Trueman corner, which the assistant ruled to be offside before entering the area.Fulham were on the move and Missiour should have saved Josh King’s shot on the hour but could do nothing as Lemar Gordon’s powerful burst two minutes later put Fulham 3-2 up.
The game was in the balance but the visitors now looked the stronger side and when the ball was passed to Ollott he slotted past Missiour to secure a vital two goal lead with 16 minutes remaining.
Substitutes Jayden Kouashi and Chibbi Nwoko were added to extend the visitors’ lead to five points after beating bottom-placed Missouri. It was not an easy goal for Liverpool, who held out until the end and found consolation in extra time when Lucky headed in a corner from Michael Raffi.
