Liverpool U18s 0-3 Everton U18s: Match Report & Marc Bridge-Wilkinson | OneFootball

By Dan Clubbe

It was a case of same story, different day for the Liverpool Under 18s as a relatively impressive performance for the most part went unrewarded as their clinical Merseyside derby rivals ran out 3-0 winners at the AXA.

Despite enjoying relatively healthy spells of possession and territory, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side were unable to find their clinical edge to send off the manager in style at the end of a 10 year spell at the club.

It was a strong lineup for the final U18 Premier League clash of the season as Rio Ngumoha and Carter Pinnington joined the regulars such as Josh Sonni-Lambie, Oli O’Connor and Cam Williams.

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Despite the strength it was the vivistors who took the lead from a well executed counterattack, a problem for Liverpool all afternoon as Everton thrived in transition, Braiden Graham on hand to fire home from close range for the opener.

Shortly before half time George Morgan doubled the lead in similar fashion as Bridge-Wilkinson’s charges were cut open all too easily by another swift move.

Although the scoreline mightn’t have reflected a well contested mini-derby, at half time it was clear to see who the more ruthless, confident side were as the blues went in 2-0 to the good.

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Liverpool’s youngsters started the second half promisiingly and Sonni-Lambie and Ngumoha both tried their luck up against a packed Everton defence and in form goalkeeper.

Another eye-catching Ngumoha display saw the tricky winger win a penalty and with it a glimmer of hope, however, the spot kick was saved well down low to the stoppers’ right and it appeared as though the writing was on the wall for the hosts.

The away side were once again a threat on the counter and a defensive meley eventually saw the ball break to the impressive Harvey Foster who volleyed home a third and ultimately put the game beyond doubt.

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Liverpool continued to rally until the death and certainly deserved at least a goal for their efforts, central defender Pinnington at the heart of everything in defence and attack during the closing stages.

Ultimiately though it was another disappointing day in a disappointing campaign for the 18s, albeit with positives in both performances and development.

Speaking after the match, Bridge-Wilkinson was upbeat about many aspects of the squad and also discussed his time at the club…

On the performance: “It kind of tells a little bit of a story, doesn’t it? So, I think between both boxes, we’re fine. I think the boys played some brilliant football, some great stuff. Couldn’t really have asked any more from them in those areas. Obviously, Everton were a massive threat today on transition and the counter-attacks, which we didn’t deal with particularly great all of the time. And then, ultimately, both boxes cost us.  We didn’t manage to stop them getting their chances and we didn’t create enough chances or take any that we did.”

On the general improvements of the group: “Yes, there’s loads [of positives]. Individually, there’s been huge developments in some of the boys. As a group, as a team and as a squad, there’s been dramatic improvement as well. Ultimately, when you get to first-team football, especially, you win or lose games based on what you’re doing in and around both boxes. That’s the area that we haven’t been great.”

On his decade at the club:  “Thanks for that one! That’s going to be in the book! How do we sum it up? It’s a wonderful place to work. It’s a wonderful place to be, full of wonderful people, excellent people in terms of staff, but also the players as well. I think what Alex (Inglethorpe) has created in the academy is a culture that is purposeful. I think it’s relaxed. I think it’s calm, but I think there’s a real purpose there. And it’s not necessarily about today. It’s about next week, the week after, in the hope that we can keep getting players in and around the first team. It’s been a great journey so far. I’ve still got another three or four weeks left and I’m going to enjoy every second.”