Despite Liverpool’s first-team struggles, there was a glimmer of hope in the academy. Two young Reds stars shone brightly, scoring for their Under-18s in the Under-18 Premier League Cup victory over Newcastle. Josh Abe, a 15-year-old winger who has recently emerged at this level, and Josh Sonni-Lambie, a 17-year-old forward, both found the back of the net in the 2-1 win at Little Benton Academy.
Liverpool had already been eliminated from the competition after defeats to Aston Villa and Leicester, but Simon Wiles’ side were still playing with pride. They managed to secure a two-goal lead before halftime. Sonni-Lambie provided the assist for the opener and Abe, who is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, scored his third goal in the past five weeks.
Sonni-Lambie then scored with his right foot from outside the box, scoring his 12th goal of the season and extending the lead to two points.
Newcastle’s Matthew Taylor managed to pull one back with 20 minutes left and the visitors secured victory and finished third in Group B, despite Liverpool’s Haydn Murray-Holm being sent off for a second yellow card in extra time.
Liverpool’s FA Youth Cup third round match against Charlton is scheduled to be held at Kirkby on Saturday 13th December (kick-off 3pm).
Several members of Liverpool’s Under-18s will be in attendance when the Under-19s take on PSV Eindhoven in the penultimate UEFA Youth League opening stage match at the Academy on Wednesday (kick-off 2pm).
Liverpool U18: Hall; O’Connor, C Williams (Eyman 64), Cisse, Owen, Upton (Hickman 71), Abe, Murray-Home, Sonni Lambie, Farkas (Hawkins 82), Lee Forrester (Inglethorpe 71). Sub: Bernard.
