Liverpool U19s 2-1 Bologna FC 1909 U21s – Match Report & Barry Lewtas | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Under 19s were back in UEFA Youth League action as a pre-cursor to the senior side getting underway against Italian visitors Bologna and once again it was a hard-fought encounter as Barry Lewtas’ side were made to work for every square inch.

The Reds lined up with an attack-minded four-pronged frontline of Kieran Morrison, Trent Kone-Doherty, Ranel Young and summer arrival Rio Ngumoha as the hosts looked to build upon their opening day point out in Milan.

With the captain from that goalless draw Trey Nyoni on first-team duty, Amara Nallo took the armband in the heart of the defence alongside Wellity Lucky and usual central defensive operator Carter Pinnington asked to fill a void at left-back.

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Despite the visitors’ cautious approach, Ngumoha had the first meaningful effort of the contest as the teenager’s direct running style and fearless nature combined to see a curling, dipping effort, just clip the top of the bar and go wide to deny what would’ve been an audacious goal.

Lewtas’ side dominated much of the first half but were unable to make their possession and territory count, whilst Bologna were always a threat on the counter as their low block defence stood firm for the most part in front of an onlooking Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Reds’ goalkeeper Kornel Misciur was called into action late in the opening 45 and Nallo was forced to clear well from the first sustained spell of pressure from the Italian outfit.

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Early in the second half the deadlock was broken as Liverpool capitalised on Bologna’s attempts to pass out from the back, hard-working frontman Young rewarded for his selfless efforts and tucking home to open the scoring.

However, just moments later it was 1-1 as Federico Tonin fired home after some neat build-up play around the area freed up the attacker, a frustrating goal to concede for Lewtas’ charges having taken the lead.

But, the hosts regained control of proceedings as Pinnington rose highest at the back post to head the ball back into a dangerous area where Nallo was waiting to tap home from close range and give his side the lead once again, a lead this time that they were able to hold onto despite a flurry of late attacks and the Italian goalkeeper joining the masses from two set pieces.

Liverpool academy boss Lewtas was thrilled with his side after the well-earned three points…

On the win: “We knew how hard it was going to be. We thought it was going to be like Milan, and we knew it would be tough. We did really well to win, we made some technical mistakes that weren’t really like us but overall I’m really pleased.”

Lewtas also had praise for the ‘selfless’ and ‘outstanding’ Ranel Young following his goal but the Reds’ boss was particularly pleased with the captain on the day Amara Nallo: “We spoke about that in the meeting, we have said to the defenders ‘Can you add a little bit more value to your game?’ Amara has got two in two, really pleased.”

On Rio Ngumoha: “I think today we managed to set up on that side well which gave him the opportunity to be one-on-one. He hit the crossbar, I thought he combined well as well. He’s not played a lot, he is only young. As the game went on he dug in but the first half is where he caught the eye and I’ve said before we need to be patient and I’m sure we’ll get there. It is tough, he’s giving away a lot of size, a lot of age.”