Liverpool create EFL Trophy history after favour from former Academy boss
Liverpool have qualified for the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy for the first time after a favour from former Academy coach Neil Critchley.
Critchley's Blackpool beat Morecambe 2-1 in the competition on Tuesday night to ensure the Reds U21s finished second in Group A of the Northern section of the competition behind the Tangerines on goal difference.
Morecambe had needed to avoid defeat to finish above Liverpool, who they had lost at home to 3-0 in the opening round of games in September. But Blackpool forward Jake Beesley scored in each half to consign them to a loss and put Liverpool through, despite a late goal from Farrend Rawson for the visitors.
FSG make 'monster bid to usurp PIF' as Liverpool owners aim to get one over Newcastle's
'He knows' - Kostas Tsimikas explains Jurgen Klopp message as Liverpool consider position
The young Reds, coached by Barry Lewtas, lost their second match 5-2 at Blackpool but ensured they had a chance of qualifying when beaten only 2-1 at Barrow in their final game last week.
Mateusz Musialowski, the 20-year-old Polish attacking midfielder, scored in all three group games, while Bobby Clark and Calum Scanlon - who both have first-team experience - and Paul Glatzel also netted.
The EFL Trophy is split into Northern and Southern sections until the quarter-finals. Liverpool are one of 16 teams to progress to the next round in the Northern section, and will now face an away match against a group winner.
Since first entering the competition in 2019 - when Critchley was still coach of the then U23s side - Liverpool had lost all 12 games before this season although one, against Fleetwood Town in their debut campaign, was on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
