U21s fall to City defeat in final game of 2015-16
It was a frustrating end to the season for Liverpool U21s as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in their final Barclays U21 Premier League game of 2015-16.
In a rearranged fixture played at City's Academy Stadium, the home side took the lead on the half hour mark when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts fired home from close range.
The second goal arrived 15 minutes from time when Spaniard Aleix Garcia’s pass found Bersant Celina who made no mistake.
Overall the young Reds were unfortunate not to take anything from the game. Tiago Ilori had an effort cleared off the line and substitute Brooks Lennon had a great chance from close range.
Reflecting on the 90 minutes, U21s boss Michael Beale told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a difficult evening for us against a strong City side and injuries to Ryan Kent and Adam Phillips disrputed our rythmn and we had to change our shape as a result.
"In saying that at 1-0 we had three great chances through Brooks, Tiago and Lloyd Jones, all in the six-yard box but we didn't take them. If we had taken one of those opportunities I think we would have taken something from the game.
"Unfortunately we gave away a scond goal and we could have defended that situation better.
"Overall though we have to look back at the season and say it has been one of promise.
"We have seen a lot of players get first-team opportunities like Kevin Stewart and Sheyi Ojo which is very pleasing.
"Naturally when players are moving up to first team level the consistency of results at U21 level can be up and down, but our main job is to push players through to the first team squad, and we can be proud of the impact the youngsters have made."
Liverpool U21s: Firth, Maguire, Hart, Ilori, Jones, Virtue, Kent (Lennon 30), M Gomes, Sinclair, Phillips (Brewitt 60), Teixeira (Ejaria 45). Subs not used: Whelan, Kelleher.