Three-goal Reds hold off Indonesia
Liverpool's U17s expressed their budding talent and proved their steel with an impressive 3-2 win over Frenz United Indonesia at the Sultan Agung Stadium on Wednesday.
The young Reds were in efficient and clinical form to follow up their victory against Frenz United Malaysia at the weekend and ensure a 100 per cent record from their Asian tour.
Des Maher's team enjoyed the upper hand throughout the opening exchanges, with Brooks Lennon and Lewis Travis providing enterprising forays forward along the Reds' right flank.
In response, Frenz United midfielder Bayu Firmansyah threatened the visiting backline with a penetrative dribble which concluded with a cross into the penalty area that eluded his teammates.
Liverpool should have secured an advantage on the quarter-hour when a goalmouth scramble afforded both Matty Rimmer and Alaster Redmayne the chance to convert from close range, although neither ultimately could.
With 25 minutes on the clock, the travellers were in front. Lennon schemed his way into the Frenz United box and drew a clear foul from Nico, then confidently stepped up to drill the spot-kick past Achmad Iqbal Bachtar and into the corner.
Confidence increased, Maher's charges maintained control of proceedings until the closing seconds of the opening period, when Andy Firth was required to palm away a powerful attempt from Firmansyah.
The hosts kicked off the second half brightly and only a last-ditch challenge prevented Ali Husein from levelling the score. But, moments later, the Reds actually extended their lead.
Redmayne capitalised on freedom on the right corner of the Frenz United area four minutes after the restart, and instantly rifled a sublime shot towards the opposite corner which nestled into the roof of the net.
By now, the away team were thriving and a third goal arrived shortly after - Lennon broke in behind the Indonesia defence and when his initial effort was parried by Bachtar, the wide-man tapped in the rebound.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Frenz United mounted an unlikely comeback; firstly, Abdul Ali Nahim Arury converted from 12 yards after Rimmer had fouled Risman Tahir in the box.
Yugan Poobathy then forced a second goal for the home team, sending a well-struck blast into the bottom corner despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper, but the young Reds were not to be denied and held out for a 3-2 triumph.
Afterwards, lead coach Maher told Liverpoolfc.com: "The boys have given everything they have got and I think we deserved the win overall.
"It was a great experience, playing against different sides with lots of different tactical situations to deal with.
"It's all about a team effort. We're looking for individual development all the time, but the boys have given a great team performance tonight and I'm really proud of them."