Spanish winger Angel Sanchez was on target as the Liverpool U23s recorded a 4-1 win over the Panjab FA in a friendly at Kirkby on Monday afternoon.
Liverpool U23s 4-1 Panjab FA
Friendly, Kirkby
May 14, 2018
Goals: Lewis 24′, Angel 31′, Kane 75′, Adekanye 84′; Bhandal 20′
The young Reds wrapped up their domestic campaign with a 5-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield last Tuesday, but took to the field again at Monday lunchtime for a showpiece friendly.
Taking on a Panjab FA men’s side, Neil Critchley‘s youngsters looked to continue their impressive run of form of late as the manager named a strong lineup.
Scottish goalkeeper Ross Sinclair made his first appearance as part of his trial spell, behind a back four of Corey Whelan, Nathaniel Phillips, George Johnston and Tony Gallacher.
Liam Coyle anchored the midfield in his second appearance back after a lengthy injury, with Adam Lewis and Curtis Jones providing support for the attacking trio of Angel, Rafa Camacho and Liam Millar.
Liverpool got off to a poor start, however, as Camen Bhandal nodded home the rebound after Sinclair’s penalty save, but after that the hosts took control.
Adam Lewis grabbed the equaliser minutes later, before Angel powered a thunderous 25-yard effort beyond Yousuf Butt to make it 2-1.
The U23s took their time to extend their lead, with Bobby Adekanye hitting the bar on the 70-minute mark, but another substitute extended the lead as Herbie Kane lofted the ball in from long range.
Adekanye then capped the victory as he poked the ball home following a fumble from the Panjab FA goalkeeper, with Critchley’s side now set to visit Ajax for a final friendly on Saturday.
It remains to be seen whether either Sinclair or Angel will earn a permanent deal at Liverpool, but a penalty save and a goal between them certainly won’t harm their chances.
Sinclair, who turned 17 at the beginning of May and is currently on the books at St Johnstone, would arrive facing competition from the likes of Kamil Grabara, Caoimhin Kelleher and Viteslav Jaros.
Meanwhile Angel, who is set to leave Real Mallorca this summer on the expiry of his contract, would be a strange signing for the Reds given he is already 20.
It would likely be similar to the signings of Phillips from Bolton Wanderers and Juanma from Barcelona in 2016, designed to bolster the U23s ranks with more experienced bodies.
Liverpool had Chelsea midfielder Isaac Christie-Davies on trial earlier this year, but the 20-year-old failed to secure a long-term contract.
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