U18s lose in 10-goal thriller
Poor defending was to prove costly as Liverpool U18s lost 6-4 to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday morning.
Returning to action after their involvement in the Frenz International Cup in Malaysia, Neil Critchley's charges were below par in freezing conditions.
Bolton took an early lead but an own goal and a strike from Sergi Canos saw the Reds go 2-1 up. However, the lead wasn't to last long as the home side stormed ahead to lead 4-2 at the break.
Harry Wilson then came off the bench to net a penalty after he was brought down and Pedro Chirivella hit the bar, but Bolton's strikeforce were on form as they went 6-3 up.
Liverpool netted a late consolation when Spanish youngster Madger Gomes scored on his league debut following a goalmouth scramble, but it was a bad day at the office for the young Reds, who now face a fourth round tie in the FA Youth Cup with Derby County on Wednesday night.
"It was a very disappointing day for us and we gave away very poor goals," a disappointed Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We had a strong team out but defensively we were all over the place. We need to do a lot better."
Liverpool U18s team: Jackson, Travis, Hart, Whelan, Lewis, Chirivella, Canos (Wilson 45), Madger Gomes, Marsh, Ejaria, Phillips.