Liverpool U18s failed to build on their emphatic 5-1 victory to kick off the season, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa in their first cup game of the campaign on Tuesday night.
Liverpool U18s 1-2 Aston Villa
PL Cup Group Stage (1), AXA Training Centre
August 26, 2025
Goals: Sonni-Lambie 21′; Burgess 11′, Meade 18′
Red card: Owen 77′
Simon Wiles’ U18s face a battle to progress from the group stage of the Premier League Cup after a 2-1 defeat at home to Villa.
In the first of their three games in Group B, a red card for centre-back Harvey Owen damaged any hope of a second-half comeback, after all three goals came in the opening 21 minutes.
There were only two changes to Wiles’ side from the 5-1 thumping of Stoke on the opening day of the season, with Owen replacing Lucas Clarke in defence and goalkeeper Bailey Hall taking over from Kornel Misciur.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 30, 2024: Liverpool's Joshua Sonni-Lambie scores a goal, but it is ruled out for off-side, during the Under-18 Premier League match between Everton FC Under-18's and Liverpool FC Under-18's. the Mini-Mini-Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But there much less of the cutting edge of that day at Clayton Wood, with the young Reds going 2-0 down early on through goals from Woody Burgess and Markie Meade.
Liverpool did grab one back shortly after, with Joe Bradshaw setting up Josh Sonni-Lambie, who followed up his stunning goal from the halfway line against Stoke to make it two in two for the season.
There were a number of opportunities for the hosts to level as well, with the quality of Bradshaw and Sonni-Lambie seeing them combine for many of the best chances.
The young Reds continued to push for an equaliser, with La’more Forrester particularly dangerous after the break until he was forced off through injury.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, August 28, 2024: Liverpool's Lamore Forrester during the Under-18's Premier League Cup match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Arsenal FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. Arsenal won 5-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But Wiles was forced to restructure when Owen was sent off for his second bookable offence with just over 10 minutes left to play.
Down to 10 men, Liverpool were unable to find the breakthrough they needed, despite a late scramble that saw Alvin Ayman’s header saved and Bradshaw’s goal-bound effort blocked.
With Villa taking all three points and Newcastle also winning their Group B opener against Leicester, there will need to be a turnaround of fortunes for the young Reds to progress to the knockout stages.
Next up though comes a trip to Burnley in the league, with Wiles hopeful of his side taking more of their chances after 17 shots on Villa’s goal and only one converted.
Liverpool U18s: Hall; Esdaille, Cisse, Owen, Ayman; Upton (Inglethorpe 72′), Hickman (Murray-Holme 59′), Yeguo (Conde 79′); Bradshaw, Forrester (Lonmeni 59′), Sonni-Lambie
Subs not used: Bernard
Next match: Burnley (A) – U18 Premier League – Saturday, August 30, 11am (BST)