Liverpool benefited from more late drama on Saturday - but this time it wasn't quite enough.
Owen Beck scored an injury-time winner as the Reds' under-18s concluded with Premier League Cup group stage with a 3-2 win at Southampton.
A much-changed side, missing several regulars, came from 2-1 down to earn their second victory in Group D.
However, results elsewhere mean they will miss out on qualification to the quarter-finals as one of the best two runners-up having finished behind Manchester City in their section.
“We had some very young lads out there and they have had a tough few weeks but they gave it absolutely everything and deserved the win," said U18s coach Barry Lewtas, speaking to liverpoolfc.com.
“We pushed hard, we dug in, created lots of chances and showed plenty of personality and character.
“Owen played really well and it was great to see him push forward from left-back to get the winner."
Liverpool, who were without strike duo Fidel O’Rourke and Layton Stewart and centre-back Billy Koumetio, had homegrown goalkeeper Harvey Davies making his debut.
They went ahead through Tyler Morton on 21 minutes but were pegged back by a Mikey Saunders equaliser before Southampton substitute Roland Idowu struck midway through the second half.
But Max Woltman equalised three minutes later and, two minutes into injury time, Beck won the game after good work from Tom Hill.
Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday in their UEFA Youth League clash against Napoli, which takes place at the Academy in Kirkby (kick-off 3pm).
LIVERPOOL U18s: Davies, Bradley, Beck, Quansah, Savage, Clarkson (Cain 45), Hill, Morton (Wilson 85), Woltman, Corness, Norris (Walls 75).
