Trey Nyoni, Trent Kone-Doherty and Kieran Morrison of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
Trey Nyoni, Trent Kone-Doherty and Kieran Morrison of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
A depleted Liverpool Under-21s side fought out a thrilling six-goal thriller away at Crystal Palace on Monday as they were held to a 3-3 draw in their final outing of 2024.
Barry Lewtas’ side were without Trey Nyoni, Amara Nallo, James Norris, Jayden Danns and James McConnell, with the quintet potentially left out ahead of possible involvement with Arne Slot’s first team against Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday night.
But even without such players, the young Reds were unfortunate not to claim all three points as they were thrice pegged back by the Eagles - who started first team player Rob Holding in defence - in an entertaining draw at Crystal Palace’s academy.
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Liverpool took the lead after just 14 minutes through Trent Kone-Doherty as the forward found the bottom corner from close-range after a cross deflected kindly for him.
Tom Hill nearly doubled the Reds’ lead after a smart turn in the box after being picked out by Isaac Mabaya, only to drag his strike narrowly wide.
Asher Agbinone equalised shortly before the half-hour mark, as the two sides exchanged three goals in a frenetic six-minute period.
Kieran Morrison restored the young Reds’ lead soon after as he found the bottom corner with a smart finish across goal following a solo-run down the right.
But Liverpool would only be ahead for a further three minutes before they were pegged back once more as Zach Marsh scored from outside the area.
Michael Laffey - who was later replaced by James Balagizi in the second half as he made his return from injury - went close to firing the Reds back in front from distance, only to see his effort fly narrowly wide.
But Tommy Pilling ensured Liverpool went in ahead at the break, prodding home from close range as he connected with Morrison’s cross.
The Reds looked to extend their lead after the interval as Kone-Doherty was denied by goalkeeper Louie Molden before Ranel Young was denied by the post soon afterwards.
But their efforts ultimately remained in vain as Palace equalised for a third and final time in the 75th minute as Jemiah Umolu finished off Marsh’s cutback.
Liverpool had Harvey Davies to thank for not falling behind for the first time late on as he made a vital reaction save to keep out Sean Grehan’s downward header, before denying Marsh when he was through one-on-one.
Meanwhile, Morrison was unfortunate not to claim a last-minute victory for the Reds as he shot narrowly over in stoppage-time before seeing a further strike saved by Moulden as Liverpool were left to settle for a share of the spoils.
Liverpool team: Davies, Mabaya (Lucky, 77), Davidson, Pinnington, Jonas, Laffey (Balagizi, 69), Morrison, Hill, Young (Figueroa, 84), Pilling, Kone-Doherty (Kelly, 77).
Unused sub: Misciur.
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