Match report U21: Liverpool beat Man City and start the PL2 season

But three minutes after the restart, Liverpool were back in the lead – with a goal that made the crowd in Kirkby cheer.

Hill was played in by Pilling on the left side of the box and faked a cross from the byline. Instead he cut in and fired the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

Ten minutes later, Wellity Lucky almost got on the scoresheet on the wrong side as he attempted to clear a dangerous cross from City's left.

The defender reached out for the ball but only managed to fire it at his own goalkeeper, but Davies saved from close range to restore the lead.

Kieran Morrison was slow to get to the ball and caused problems, but a last-minute tackle prevented him from having a clear run on goal during an impressive Liverpool counterattack.

A third goal was not far away, however, and again it was thanks to Corness' left foot that the home side managed to pull it off. The midfielder delivered a brilliant corner into the box and Norris was desperate to head it home from close range.

City tried to react and a good move ended with Farid Alfa-Ruprecht shooting over the goal from a tight angle and Davies covering the goal well.

The guests did not come any closer, as the Reds finished the game confidently and seemed to be able to extend their lead with some dangerous counterattacks.

TEAM

Davies, Jonas (Miles, 65), Norris, Nallo, Lucky, Corness (K. Kelly, 83), Morrison, Laffey, Young (Pinnington, 83), Hill, Pilling.

Unused substitutes: Misciur, Figueroa.

Next

Lewtas' charges will next turn their attention to the start of the Premier League International Cup. On Wednesday (21 August) they will host PSV Eindhoven at the Academy.

Kick-off is at 7pm BST and you can watch the game live on LFCTV GO.