Liverpool U18s 2 Sunderland U18s 0

Coach Elliott Dickman said after the game: “We played really well, especially in the second half, taking the game to Liverpool and deserved a point from a tremendous performance.”

In the first period, the Wearsiders fell behind to a goal on 16 minutes after starting well and having a long-range effort from Chris Allan saved by Liverpool keeper Ben Williams.

Following good possession by the home team’s Jordan Hunter down the right, the ball bobbled about in the box before being tapped over the line by Glen McAuley.

Dickman’s opinion was “They will probably say it was a good build up, but, from my point of view, it was too easy”.

However, Sunderland came fighting back from the setback, particularly in the second half.

Jake Hackett hit the bar with a super free-kick and two more Sunderland efforts were cleared from the line.

Jake Diamond also saw a fine effort turned around the post by alert home keeper Williams.

Sunderland were always strong down the left, where Swedish full-back Oscar Krusnell had a good game in his first match back following a long injury.

His inclusion enabled regular full-back Fergus McAughtrie to push up into midfield where he also did well.

in the final phase of the game, Sunderland were really pressing and going hard for the equaliser but were caught 10 minutes from time by a second home goal curled in from distance by Yan Dhanda.

Sunderland remain bottom of the table, with two points from 10 games, six points adrift of West Brom and Wolves.

Their next game is at home to Derby County this coming Saturday at the Academy of Light (1pm kick-off). Sunderland then tackle Everton and Stoke before a potentially crunch clash with Wolves on November 26.

Liverpool: Williams, Lewis, Owens, Masterson, Johnston, Coyle (Lattie), T Gomes (Adekanye), Hunter, McAuley (Simmonds), Camacho, Dhanda. Sub not used: Caan

Sunderland: Woud, Hickey (Howard 70) Taylor, Storey (Young 60), Krusnell, Kimpioka (Best 65), Allan, Hackett, McAughtrie, Diamond, Fowler. Subs not used: Patterson, Lilley.