Young Reds edged out by Hammers

Australian midfielder Jake Brimmer also made his first start at the Little Heath Sports Ground in Romford since returning from injury, but it was a frustrating afternoon for the young Reds as a late goal gave the home side the victory in this thrilling play-off encounter.

After already being denied by a fine save in the opening period, four minutes after the restart Gomes gave Neil Critchley's side the lead when he cut inside and found the net.

However, the lead didn't last long when two minutes later Matt Carter's corner curled straight into the back of the net. The Liverpool players complained that goalkeeper Owen Wheeler had been fouled but the goal stood.

Liverpool bounced back and Herbie Kane made it 2-1 with a superb strike from 20-yards out.

The Hammers weren't to be denied though and after only being on the pitch for three minutes after earlier featuring in the U16 game, substitute Idris Kanu pounced to make it 2-2 in the 83rd minute.

Kanu was the hero for the home side when he found the net again in the 87th minute to seal the win.

It was some feat for Kanu who had earlier netted the winner against Liverpool in the U16 clash.

Reflecting on the result, Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com: "That was really difficult to take because it was very similar to what happened to us when we lost 3-2 at Brighton last week.

"At 2-1 we were in control of the game but our inability to defend from set pieces is costing us dear. We conceded straight from a corner and then gave the ball away which led to their free-kick.

"There were positives for us to take. It was great to see Toni score on his debut at this level and also Herbie getting another goal which was a superb strike."

Liverpool U18s team: Wheeler, Virtue, Kane, Parker, Polgar, Brimmer (Owens 60), Madger Gomes, Alexander-Arnold, Toni Gomes, Ejaria (Nicholas 79), Marsh. Subs unused: Whyte, George.