ST HELENS, ENGLAND - Monday, January 21, 2019: Liverpool's Remi Savage during the FA Youth Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Accrington Stanley FC at Langtree Park. (Pic by Paul Greenwood/Propaganda)

Late drama as Liverpool U18s keep their unbeaten start alive at Wolves

The Liverpool under-18s preserved their unbeaten start to the campaign as Remi Savage’s late, late header ensured a much-deserved 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Wolves U18s 1-1 Liverpool U18s

U18 Premier League, Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground
August 24, 2019

Goals: Campbell pen 44′; Savage 90+2′


The young Reds headed to the West Midlands on the back of two straight victories to kick off the new campaign, and Barry Lewtas made two changes to the side that won 3-2 at home to Stoke last time out.

Out came Billy Koumetio, injured on international duty with the France under-17s, and James Balagizi, with Fidel O’Rourke joining Layton Stewart in attack following his return from his own layoff.

The first half was dominated by penalty calls, in which Liverpool were unsuccessful twice, as Stewart and Niall Brookwell were both denied despite feeling they were brought down.

Lewtas’ side produced some promising chances getting in behind the Wolves defence, but were unable to truly test Joe Young between the sticks.

And unfortunately the visitors went ahead just before the break, as a late challenge from Jarell Quansah gave Wolves a spot-kick, with Chem Campbell stepping up to convert at the worst time.

ST HELENS, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 24, 2018: Liverpool's Leighton Clarkson during the UEFA Youth League Group C match between Liverpool FC and FK Crvena zvezda at Langtree Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool controlled the majority of the second half but struggled to find a clinical edge, with Young particularly impressive as he kept Wolves ahead.

The goalkeeper kept out Brookwell’s header from a brilliant free-kick from Leighton Clarkson, while Stewart flashed wide with a swing of his left just after the hour.

Clarkson’s deliveries from set-pieces and open play gave the young Reds their best chances, and O’Rourke should have scored a very late equaliser, but was unable to divert his header away from Young, who tipped it over.

Second-half substitute Balagizi gave Liverpool a new dimension in the attacking third, with his height, strength and quick feet keeping the Wolves defenders busy.

Ultimately the leveller came through Clarkson’s corner, with the 17-year-old curling in a brilliant cross for Savage to head home for 1-1, keeping the unbeaten start alive.


TIA Man of the Match: Leighton Clarkson

Liverpool U18s: Winterbottom; Hill, Quansah, Savage, Norris; Clarkson; Brookwell (Beck 84′), Cain, Ritaccio (Balagizi 71′); Stewart, O’Rourke (Corness 90+4′)

Subs not used: Kelly, Wilson

Next Match: Man United (H) – U18 Premier League – Saturday, August 31, 11am (BST)