Liverpool U18s beaten 3-1 by Leeds United as Manchester United loom

An inexperienced Liverpool Under-18s side were beaten 3-1 by Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors took the lead at the Kirkby Academy when Lucas Pitt turned a dangerous cross into his own net before Leeds doubled their advantage through Josh McDonald's strike.

Leeds made it 3-0 shortly before the half-time interval when the excellent Mason Cotcher smashed home to punish the Reds, who had failed to properly clear the ball.

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side were unable to get a foothold as the game ticked into the final third and Leeds went close with a couple of chances, forcing goalkeeper Kornel Misciur into a handful of smart saves to keep it 3-0.

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The pick of the bunch from Misciur came when he thwarted Harry Gray from registering with a header from close range. The goalkeeper again denied Gray before the striker hit the post after reacting to a scramble inside the penalty area.

Reds captain Kieran Morrison reduced arrears when he hammered in from a tight angle after rounding the goalkeeper, firing the ball home despite men on the line for Leeds as the match edged towards the final 10 minutes.

There was to be no comeback for the hosts, however, who missed the chance to nudge clear of Derby County in the table.

Liverpool U18s remain third after the defeat, 12 points behind Manchester City and 22 off runaway league leaders Manchester United.

Next up for Bridge-Wilkinson's 18s is a visit from Man United on April Saturday, April 6, with Jurgen Klopp's seniors also in action against the Red Devils that weekend, playing the