Liverpool’s U18s secured back-to-back wins in the league with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland at the AXA Training Centre.
The young Reds were boosted by an impressive display, with Joe Bradshaw scoring a brace and Clae Ewing shining at left-back. Ewing’s driving forces down the flank led to the opener, with midfielder Scofield Lonmeni benefiting from a deflection to bend the ball into the corner.
Sunderland deservedly reduced the deficit with a penalty, which Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi converted, and the game was on a knife’s edge.
However, Liverpool continued to push for the winner and eventually regained the lead on the hour mark. Ewing’s excellent work on the wing allowed Bradshaw to tap in his first, and the forward doubled his tally in the 77th minute, capitalizing on an Ollie O’Connor pass and Ahmed’s clever link-up.
The win was sealed late on, as O’Connor blasted home a free-kick from the edge of the box to make it 4-2.
The victory was a testament to Liverpool’s resilience and ambition, with many players making important contributions. Kareem Ahmed’s sharpness up front and Josh Sonni-Lambie’s tenacity down the flank were notable positives, while Joe Bradshaw’s goals and Clae Ewing’s tireless displays at the back left a lasting impression.
Manager Marc Bridge-Wilkinson made some shrewd changes to protect tired legs, bringing on Bruno Furnell-Gill and Ahmed Atta Cisse to freshen things up. Despite some late anxiety, the back four held firm to secure another three points.
With this win, Liverpool U18s have established themselves as one of the top teams in the league, and their progress will be monitored with great interest. Their next test comes on November 2, when they travel to Manchester City in the U18 Premier League.
