Young Reds edged out in thriller

Ahead of Monday's final game of the season against Norwich City at Anfield, Michael Beale's side knew only a win would do to keep up the pressure on leaders Manchester United.

However, the win for Chelsea means the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League champions have a great chance of completing a treble.

Back in March the Reds had beaten the Londoners 2-0 after a convincing performance at Chester, and going into Thursday night's clash confidence was high.

Beale welcomed back loan stars Jordan Williams, Kevin Stewart and Lloyd Jones as he made four changes from the team that had defeated Leicester City 2-1 on Monday.

Before the contest, a minute's silence was held as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives and been affected by the Nepal earthquake.

Liverpool made a great start when Jerome Sinclair netted his 23rd Academy goal of the season, heading home following a Ryan Kent corner.

[SLIDESHOW]

However, the home side stormed back to lead 3-1 before the break thanks to two goals from Dominic Solanke, taking his tally to 40 for the season, and an effort from Alex Kiwomya.

Beale's charges came out determined in the second half and pulled a goal back through a fine finish from captain Cameron Brannagan.

A nice pass from the inventive Kent then found Brannagan in space but the midfielder this time couldn't keep his composure and the chance was gone.

Liverpool continued to create some good openings. Substitute Harry Wilson went so close with a brilliant effort that just cleared the bar. The Welshman then had a good appeal for a penalty turned down and Brannagan was denied by a fine stop by Collins.

With Beale's side pushing hard for an equaliser there was always the danger of the home side breaking away, especially with the pace of Solanke, and sure enough they increased their advantage when the No.9 notched his hat-trick in style with a fantastic finish.

Wilson netted a consolation strike in stoppage-time and the Reds were very unfortunate not to be awarded a dramatic last-gasp penalty when Ojo was sent tumbling in the penalty area.

Reflecting on the loss, Beale told Liverpoolfc.com: "We started ever so well and deservedly went in front but we then found ourselves 3-1 down at half-time.

"I was disappointed with the goals we conceded but Solanke is a quality young player and he caused us problems.

"I have to say we were outstanding in the second half. We got it back to 3-2 and then we should have had a penalty when Harry was brought down and it would have been a sending-off for their defender. It wasn't given and we just had to get on with it.

"We then created seven or eight great chances but just couldn't score and they scored again through a brilliant finish from Solanke.

"Even in stoppage time we never gave up. Harry scored and then we should have had another penalty when Sheyi was brought down.

"I was proud of the lads tonight for the way we kept going and on another night these decisions go for you. Unfortunately they didn't go our way tonight."

Liverpool U21s: Fulton, Randall, Maguire, Williams, Jones (Canos), Stewart, Kent, O'Hanlon (Wilson), Sinclair, Brannagan (Cleary), Ojo. Subs unused: Trickett-Smith, Firth.