EFL Trophy: Blackpool Seal Win Against Spirited Liverpool U21s | OneFootball

Blackpool Triumphs Over Spirited Liverpool U21s in EFL Trophy Showdown

It was a scene ripe for nostalgia at Bloomfield Road as Blackpool locked horns with Liverpool U21s in the EFL Trophy. Former U21s gaffer and now Blackpool boss, Neil Critchley greeted his successor Barry Lewtas, recollecting their journey that began with a defeat to Oldham Athletic in this very competition.

Youth Takes Centre Stage for Liverpool

Liverpool’s U21s side, riding high from their maiden win in the competition against Morecambe, faced a daunting challenge against a Blackpool side known for their resilience. The vast list of unavailable players for the reds included promising names like Bobby Clark, Kaide Gordon, and Isaac Mabaya.

The Reds instead showcased the future of Anfield with two 16-year-olds, Carter Pinnington & Amara Nallo, fortifying the defense and Kieran Morrison leading the line. Paul Glatzel was the only beacon of seniority amidst this sea of youthful exuberance.

A Fight From The Get-Go

Liverpool’s young goalkeeper, Fabian Mrozek, was thrust into action early on, making crucial saves off efforts from Jensen Weir and Jake Beesley. Blackpool’s missed opportunities came to haunt them as Liverpool’s No.9, Mateusz Musialowski, combined with Glatzel to break the deadlock. However, Albie Morgan’s sublime free-kick on the cusp of half-time restored parity.

Blackpool’s Second Half Surge

Barely had the second half started when Kylian Kouassi, fresh from the bench, fired Blackpool into the lead. Liverpool’s spirited effort saw them equalise with Musialowski capitalising on a rebound. However, the tide of the match firmly turned in Blackpool’s favour as Kouassi’s header found the net and later completed his hat-trick. Andy Lyons added the final touch with a goal deep into injury time, cementing Blackpool’s 5-2 victory.

A Look Ahead

As Liverpool U21s gear up for their final EFL Trophy group match against Barrow, Lewtas might have reinforcements back. Despite the defeat, there’s a silver lining: the invaluable experience these young Reds gained at Bloomfield Road.