A Joseph Bradshaw brace helped Liverpool U18s stage a remarkable 4-2 comeback against Stoke City to move to 7th place in the table, writes Keira Lucock at The Academy.
Following the painful 7-0 defeat to Manchester United last time out, the young Reds were determined to ensure today’s match would end in a different result.
They started well in possession. But, despite Joseph Bradshaw’s shot that was deflected wide, Liverpool U18’s still struggled to make their mark.
Next, Finn Inglethorpe’s shot hit the post and with no support in the box, the hosts failed to get ahead early.
It was a promising 25 minutes for the home side until their domination was broken when Stoke’s Laurence Giani was clinical in the 18-yard box to secure a 1-0 lead.
With five minutes remaining in the first half, the visitors doubled their lead when Giani produced another clinical finish in the box, giving the young Potter’s the advantage heading into the break.
In the 57th minute, Liverpool had their first clear-cut chance as they attempted to change the flow of the game, only for Bradshaw’s effort to go just wide of the target.
The Reds were put under sustained pressure as Stoke continued to maintain control.
Shortly after the hour mark, Liverpool were back in it. Bradshaw kept his composure and finished low into the bottom corner after a well worked build up that sparked the comeback.
As the game entered the latter stages, Tyler Martin drew Liverpool level with a precise strike.
As the match entered injury time, a clever back-heeled pass found Josh Sonni-Lambi who showed excellent technique to put the Reds in front, pulling off a dramatic turnaround.
And it wasn’t over as, deep into stoppage time, an inviting delivery was sent in for Bradshaw again to put the result beyond doubt with a well taken goal. From opening Liverpool’s hope of revival, the number seven capped off an impressive end to his performance.
