Kent and Sinclair strike as U21s beat Spurs

Ryan Kent opened the scoring at the home of Chester FC with a free-kick early in the game before Jerome Sinclair sealed the deserved three points after the break.  

It was an excellent performance from the young Reds, who were good value for the victory, although they finished the game with 10 men after Kevin Stewart was sent off late on for two bookable offences.

Manager Michael Beale fielded Steven Caulker once again, along with Jose Enrique, Adam Bogdan and a number of youngsters fresh from their excursions with the first team for the FA Cup double header with Exeter City.  

The visitors also put out a competitive starting XI that included England international Andros Townsend.

But there was little to report in the opening exchanges, apart from the hosts causing the Spurs midfield problems with their high-pressing style.

However, the Reds took the lead after 13 minutes when Kent’s strike from a set-piece on the right-hand side crept into the net at goalkeeper Tom Glover’s near post to break the deadlock.

The encounter seemed to open up after the goal, with more attacking intent coming from Ugo Ehiogu’s charges as they set about applying more pressure on the Liverpool back four.

Nonetheless, the young Reds almost made it 2-0 on the counter after tenacious work from Cameron Brannagan. The captain disposed a Spurs player in midfield and then played a ball through to Sinclair, but his deflected effort was comfortably saved by Glover.

Bogdan was called into action for the first time at the half-hour mark. The Hungarian saved a free-kick in a dangerous position from Townsend, who was a big threat on the right throughout the first half.

Liverpool flew out of the blocks after the interval and were commanding in the second half.

That dominance told when the home side earnt themselves a two-goal cushion when sublime play between Matthew Virtue and Sheyi Ojo enabled Sinclair to tap in.

And the hosts weren’t resting on their laurels, with both goalscorers going close to grabbing their second of the night in quick succession.

Brannagan then showed some neat footwork before unleashing a strike that just went past the post as Liverpool were expressing their complete control of the affair.

At the other end, another free-kick from Townsend went close, with Spurs looking to get themselves back into the game.

And they were given a boost when Stewart was given his marching orders with around 10 minutes left, following his second yellow when attempting to break up a Tottenham counter.

But Caulker and co. stood firm and thwarted any attempts of a comeback to seal three points for Beale’s men.

Liverpool: Bogdan, Virtue, Hart, Caulker, Enrique, Stewart (Sent off 79), Ojo (Wilson 89), Chirivella, Sinclair (Dunn 74), Brannagan (C), Kent (O’Hanlon 84).