U21s match report: Reds come back to beat Palace and reach PL2 ...

The Reds fell two goals down in Sunday’s last-16 encounter in Kirkby, with Roshaun Mathurin and Noah Watson on the scoresheet.

But a stunning turnaround in the second half saw Kaide Gordon get the hosts back on level terms with a double, before Trey Nyoni delivered what proved to be the winner.

Fresh from a 5-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur – who topped the regular-season standings – on Monday night, Palace made a fast start at the Academy.

Fabian Mrozek had already saved a strike from Ademola Ola-Adebomi before the Liverpool goalkeeper conceded a penalty in the second minute.

But Mrozek made instantaneous amends by keeping out Mathurin’s spot-kick, aimed for the bottom left corner.

Barry Lewtas’ Reds were enjoying the greater share of possession, but the visitors were carving out the more dangerous chances – and Mrozek again denied Mathurin when the Palace forward got in an effort from close range.

The away side gained their second opportunity from the penalty spot in minute 35 as Mathurin was fouled inside the box by James McConnell.

Mathurin again stepped up to take responsibility from 12 yards and this time found the net with a strike into the same corner he had previously aimed for.

And, after Reds captain Gordon had seen a shot saved at the other end, the Eagles extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Watson was the provider this time, beating Mrozek from the middle of the box to leave Liverpool needing to produce a big comeback after the break.

Gordon had two sighters early in the second half as the home side set about that task – and by the hour mark, the attacker had hauled them level.

First, he was in the right place to tuck home from yards out after a slick Reds move along the right-hand side had caused a bit of pinball.

His second was a beauty. Collecting a pass from Lewis Koumas just around the ‘D’, Gordon arced a lovely strike off his left foot into the top right corner.

And a sensational spell of three Liverpool goals within the space of four minutes was completed when, with a helping hand from Gordon, the top corner was again found by Nyoni.

Palace responded strongly and had opportunities as time ticked away, with Mrozek thwarting Justin Devenny, Mathurin and Dan Imray along the way.

But Lewtas’ charges held firm to preserve their 3-2 lead and clinch the spot in the last eight when the play-offs continue next weekend.

TEAM

Liverpool U21s: Mrozek, Frauendorf (Spearing, 79), Davidson, Nallo, Pinnington, McConnell (Blair, 85), Gordon, Pilling, Koumas, Nyoni, Morrison.

Unused subs: O. Kelly, K. Kelly, Laffey.

NEXT UP

Liverpool will face either Tottenham or Aston Villa – who meet on Monday afternoon – in the quarter-finals.

The Reds will be away from home for that tie, which is set to take place on a date between May 10 and 13.