Liverpool's U18s had a strong start to its preseason with a 6-1 win against Connahs Quay Nomads, with six different youngsters getting themselves on the scoresheet.
A minute's silence was held before kick-off at the Academy in memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car crash nine days ago, with both sets of players respectfully wearing black armbands in tribute.
The young Reds, under the guidance of assistant manager Anthony Ryan, made a strong start by taking the lead after just seven minutes through Joe Bradshaw’s close-range finish. However, their advantage was short-lived as Max Woodcock quickly equalized for the visitors.
Lenix Conde regained the lead for Liverpool early in the second half, setting the tone for a dominant period. Lucas Clarke extended the advantage with a well-timed header from a corner, before Josh Sonni-Lambie made it 4-1 with a composed turn and finish inside the box.
Josh Abe added a fifth, squeezing the ball in from a tight angle, and Hayden Murray-Holme rounded off the scoring late on to cap a confident and clinical display from Liverpool's academy side.
Only Nottingham Forest and Leeds United finished below Liverpool in the U18 Premier League North last season, so the Reds will be looking to make significant improvements during the next campaign.
Josh Sonni-Lambie of Liverpool
Josh Sonni-Lambie was one of six goalscorers
The U18s are also on the lookout for a new manager after Marc Bridge-Wilkinson left the club at the end of last season. "It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since I joined LFC but now it is time to move on to a new challenge," he said when announcing that decision. "The Academy is a special place and it's been an absolute pleasure to be part of the team for the past decade.
"I'd like to thank Alex Inglethorpe and Nick Marshall for giving me the opportunity and placing faith in me to move up through the age groups. A massive thank you, too, to all the coaching staff and the support team. Being a part of players' journeys at such an important stage of their development is a huge privilege. I'll continue to follow their careers closely."
The 46-year-old was appointed Liverpool U18s manager in May 2020, having already spent several years within the club’s Academy system. He originally joined Liverpool in 2015, working with the U14s, and has steadily progressed through the youth ranks, gaining a strong reputation for developing young talent.