Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the EFL Trophy clash at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday evening
ROCHDALE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Will Wright of Liverpool U21 after the Jersey Mike's Trophy match between Rochdale and Liverpool U21 at Crown Oil Arena on September 22, 2026 in Rochdale, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Will Wright nearly opened the scoring for Liverpool in spectacular fashion in their EFL Trophy defeat at Doncaster Rovers(Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
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Liverpool under-21s saw their hopes of EFL Trophy progress suffer a blow when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at League One side Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday evening.
The Reds conceded the only goal in time added on at the end of the first half when, after Harvey Davies made a fine save to deny Doncaster skipper Owen Bailey, the rebound fell for Tommi O'Reilly to convert.
Liverpool had earlier come close to opening the scoring with an outrageous attempt from Will Wright, whose chip from 35 yards struck the underside of the crossbar.
Doncaster goalkeeper Josh Clarke made a fine double save to deny both Wright and Joe Bradshaw shortly after half-time with the former narrowly wide with another effort later on.
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Despite dominating the second half, Rob Page's side have now slipped to third in the Group B table and need a positive result at leaders Huddersfield Town next month to stay in the competition.
The ECHO was in attendance at the Club Doncaster Sports Village and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
Harvey Davies 7
Made smart save from a shot from range first half and unlucky with first goal but some of his distribution was dangerously wayward. Another good stop after break.
Oliver O'Connor 7
Hugely energetic down the right flank in both directions but started to struggle with Doncaster regularly attacking his flank. Switched to a variety of roles in the final quarter in impressive fashion.
Wellity Lucky 7
More than held his own against the experienced Doncaster forward Hanlan and looked to play out of the back whenever possible.
Luke Chambers 7
Confident and composed playing in the heart of the defence and used the ball well. A good display.
Alvin Ayman 6
Making his first appearance in this competition, wasn't overawed by the physicality of the men's game.
Joe Upton 6
Busy evening anchoring midfield and had one shot charged down second half. Subbed.
Josh Sonni-Lambie 6
Operating on the right flank, showed good physicality up against more experienced opponents but could have offered more help defensively. Subbed.
Michael Laffey 6
Sought to provide support for lone striker Wright down the centre and more effective second half. Subbed.
James McConnell 7
Relatively quiet first half but became much more involved as Liverpool pressed for an equaliser. Booked and subbed.
Joe Bradshaw 6
Not given much chance to stretch his legs down the left before interval but later had shot saved and became more of a threat.
Will Wright 8
Involved in a running battle with the experienced Byrne and struck the underside of crossbar with an outrageous attempt from range before break. Denied by Doncaster goalkeeper Clarke second half and close with another effort.
SUBS
Prince Cisse (for Sonni-Lambie 62) 6
Slotted in at right-back and useful with his pace.
Ben Trueman (for Upton 69) 6
Not quite the impact as against Rochdale last time out.
Patrik Farkas (for Laffey 85)
First outing in the competition.
Fola Onanuga (for McConnell 85)
Minutes for the midfielder.
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