Academy review: November
Catch up on another busy month of Academy football with our review of the key events for Liverpool's youngsters during November.
The Reds' U23, U19 and U18 sides were all in action at home and abroad, with a series of mixed results...
Gerrard free-kick practice pays off for Clarkson...
Leighton Clarkson scored a free-kick Steven Gerrard would have been proud of as the month started in fine style for Liverpool U18s, seeing off Everton 4-3 in a thriller under the Kirkby floodlights.
Clarkson revealed after the game he had practised set-pieces under the guidance of the former U18s boss last season - and it was work that certainly paid off as he curled home a delightful effort.
LFCTV GO: Watch the 4-3 win in 90 seconds
In a pulsating contest, Bobby Duncan headed the Reds in front before Korede Adedoyin levelled the scores. Paul Glatzel and Clarkson then made it 3-1, but the Blues fought back to 3-3 courtesy of another Adedoyin goal and one from Kieran Phillips. However, in the 90th minute a Clarkson free-kick was diverted into the net by Jack Bearne for a dramatic winner.
Solanke strikes in win over the Foxes...
Matty Virtue netted a brilliant strike and Dominic Solanke was also on the mark as Liverpool U23s produced a convincing display to sweep aside Leicester City 3-1 at the Academy.
Before kick-off, Reds captain Virtue presented the visiting team with a wreath as a mark of respect following the recent tragedy that unfolded at the visitors' King Power Stadium and a minute's silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives.
When the action was under way, Virtue opened the scoring and Isaac Christie-Davies also finished superbly to make it 2-0. Solanke added a third before the Foxes grabbed a late consolation through Calvin Ughelumba.
Liam Coyle signs new contract
There was joy for midfielder Liam Coyle as he was awarded a new contract. The 18-year-old Scouser has been at the Academy since the age of 10.
He once told us: “I’m a massive Liverpool fan and I don’t miss a game... except for when we have a game at the same time for the U18s!”
Lewis fires a belter and Czech 'keeper Jaros shines in Belgrade...
Adam Lewis struck a magnificent free-kick as Liverpool U19s edged out Red Star Belgrade 2-0 in the UEFA Youth League. Reds stopper Vitezslav Jaros, who has already picked up something of a Scouse twang in his accent, made several outstanding saves before Curtis Jones netted the opening goal, and Lewis made the victory secure.
Glatzel and Duncan unstoppable as Reading are hit for six...
LFCTV GO: Enjoy all of the goals
Glatzel and Duncan continued their prolific season in front of goal as Liverpool U18s beat Reading 6-0 at the Academy in the group stage of the Premier League Cup.
Elijah Dixon-Bonner and Tom Clayton were also on the mark - indeed, only the heroics of Royals goalkeeper Myles Roberts prevented a far greater scoreline.
Penalty woe for U23s against Burnley but McAuley off the mark...
Rafael Camacho and Bobby Adekanye both missed penalties as Liverpool U23s were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Burnley in the group stage of the Premier League Cup in Kirkby. Tinashe Chakwana gave the away side the lead but Glen McAuley equalised with a superb header following a cross from Camacho. It was the Republic of Ireland youth international's first goal at U23 level.
FA Youth Cup draw made...
The third-round draw is always an exciting occasion for the Academy - and a home tie with Portsmouth will end the calendar year for the U18s group.
Lewtas' side will host Portsmouth on Tuesday December 18 at St. Helens R.F.C.’s Totally Wicked Stadium, with kick-off set for 7pm GMT.
You can watch this tie live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO.
Unbeaten run comes to an end for the U18s...
Liverpool U18s missed the chance to leapfrog Everton at the top of the league table as they lost 2-1 to 10-man Derby County at the Academy. Morgan Whittaker opened the scoring for the visitors with a deflected effort before Duncan, with his 12th goal of the season netted after being set up by strike partner Glatzel. The result ended a nine-game winning streak for the young Reds after Jason Knight bagged a 61st-minute winner for the Rams.
Ki-Jana Hoever impresses and a return for Ben Woodburn...
Ben Woodburn played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool U23s bounced back in style from a loss to Villarreal with a 1-0 win over Everton in the mini-derby at Goodison Park. An effort by Lewis was deflected into the back of the net by Camacho to seal a deserved win for Neil Critchley’s charges. The performance of 16-year-old Dutch youth international Ki-Jana Hoever gave more optimism for the future, and Critchley was amongst the admirers.
Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com: "I don’t want to get too carried away with him but, wow, what a performance. He’s 16 and he’s calm and assured in his decision-making. He got a little bit tired near the end but understandably so – he played in the week as well. His authority and assurance on the pitch for a boy so young was very, very impressive."
UEFA Youth League qualification goes to final game...
The month ended with a 3-2 defeat for the U19s away at Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Youth League. Already assured of a place in the play-offs, Barry Lewtas' side can clinch qualification for the last 16 with a win over Napoli in their final game.
LFCTV GO: The best of the PSG action
PSG kept their own hopes of progression alive as they edged out the Reds. Camacho set up Liam Millar for the opener and the Portugal U20 international then missed a great chance to make it 2-0. Straight up the other end of the field Ruben Providence ran clear and equalised prior to Arnaud Muinga netting twice, including a penalty, to make it 3-1. Millar struck to make for a frantic finish to give the Reds a chance - and Glatzel was thwarted by a fine close-range save and was also denied a penalty, with the young Reds unable to grab an equaliser their play had perhaps merited.