Liverpool’s young players got their first taste of pre-season action on Saturday, with two matches at the AXA Training Centre offering a mix of tough lessons and good workouts.
While the Under-21s fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against non-league side Vauxhall Motors, the Under-18s started their summer with a 2-0 loss to Crewe Alexandra.
Both games were played over a shorter 60-minute format split into two 30-minute halves to help the players build up their fitness for the new 2026/27 season.
Bradshaw grabs draw for U21s
The Under-21 side faced a tough physical test against senior opposition from the Northern Premier League. Vauxhall Motors started brightly and took an early lead when Finlay Heath scored a fine free-kick.
Liverpool, featuring the likes of Kornel Misciur, Amara Nallo, and recent contract-signer Oliver O’Connor, had to work hard to get back into the game. Forward Joe Bradshaw missed a close chance just before the half-time whistle, but he made no mistake early in the second half, scoring from close range to make it 1-1.
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The young Reds pushed hard for a winning goal late on. O’Connor and Bradshaw both went close, but the match ended level. It was a useful exercise that gave plenty of minutes to the squad, including Michael Laffey and Kyle Kelly.
Tough defeat for Under-18s
On the next pitch, it was a harder start to the summer for Liverpool’s Under-18s. They fell behind early on, conceding two goals in the first half to a sharp Crewe Alexandra team.
The young Reds tried to fight back before the break, with Erik Farkas and Finn Inglethorpe both missing good chances to score.
In the second half, Liverpool looked better and created more opportunities. Lee Forrester, Luca Eden, and Zak Coxon all went close to scoring, but Crewe held on for the win.
At this stage of July, the results matter much less than getting the players fit, but the coaches will now know exactly what to work on in training this week.
Nazira Yusuf is a versatile accreddited sports journalist since 2019 and dedicated Liverpool supporter who brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of the Premier League. As a reporter she is a familiar face in press rooms, delivering breaking news, injury updates, and tactical insights on match days. Follow Nazira for authoritative coverage as Liverpool battles for domestic and European glory.