The best photos from Stephen Darby’s charity day as Liverpool beat Bradford 3-1

Liverpool’s second pre-season friendly of the summer ended in a 3-1 win over Bradford as the Reds raised awareness for Stephen Darby’s MND Foundation.

The Reds got their summer off to a great start in midweek against Tranmere and it was a similar theme on Sunday.

Of course, while Jurgen Klopp and his men were utilising the 90 minutes as a further fitness exercise, the day was also about raising awareness for ex-Red Stephen Darby’s charity, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Stephen Derby and Rimmer of the The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation before a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While most of the squad remained the same from that first fixture at Prenton Park, the one senior who did return to action was centre-back Dejan Lovren after a few days in training.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Dejan Lovren arrives before a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp signs autographs for supporters before a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

As would be expected against a lower-league side, the Reds were dominant in possession and enjoyed plenty of opportunities to press high upfield.

It wasn’t long before the chances started to fall Liverpool’s way as a result, though the opening goal was perhaps a surprise in that it came from a long-range James Milner strike, deflected in off a Bradford head.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's James Milner celebrates scoring the first goal during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Milner immediately got the chance to double the lead, after Rhian Brewster‘s fantastic wall-pass set free Ryan Kent, who was fouled.

The No. 7 dispatched the spot-kick clinically, for 2-0 and two goals within a minute.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's James Milner celebrates scoring the first goal during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Reds remained in charge throughout the half and a few big chances were created—often with the clever footwork of Brewster at the centre of the moves.

A one-two with Harry Wilson was particularly impressive to watch, but the Welshman was denied by a fine save on that occasion—before Brewster made it 3-0 just before the break.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Rhian Brewster (L) celebrates scoring the third goal with team-mate Harry Wilson during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Meanwhile, the left-back battle continued in the absence of Andy Robertson; Yasser Larouci wasn’t quite as effective as in the first match, but another 45 minutes at senior level will benefit him.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Yasser Larouci during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Once more, Klopp opted to change all 10 outfielders for the second half and Adam Lewis impressed after the break in the same position, linking well with Liam Millar—called up to the squad after Paul Glatzel‘s unfortunate injury.

The Canadian was frequently involved and the duo combined well down that channel, but Millar had one fine curling effort saved.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Liam Millar during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Curtis Jones was a stand-out for the Reds in the second 45 minutes, which was considerably more low-key than the first.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Bradford found the back of the net via a penalty to leave the score at 3-1 for full-time, but the post-match lap of honour featuring Stephen Darby and his family was the closing image for many.

The day will have been a success in terms of raising money for the foundation, and the importance of the day goes well beyond the 90 minutes on this occasion.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Divock Origi, goalkeeper Daniel Atherton and Adam Lallana during a lap of honour after a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp and Stephen Darby after a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp poses for a photo with Stephen Darby and his wife and Stephanie Houghton (4th from L) during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool will now head back to Melwood to continue training, before flying out to the United States on Tuesday.