Layton Stewart continued his impressive goalscoring form by scoring twice to help Liverpool under-18s open the year with a victory.
Stewart took his tally for 12 to the season as Barry Lewtas' side beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at Kirkby on Saturday afternoon.
The 17-year-old also laid on the third goal for Fidel O'Rourke, with Liverpool now closing the gap on U18 Premier League North leaders Manchester City to five points with a game in hand.
A very young Reds side dominated the first half but were frustrated by Blackburn goalkeeper Jordan Eastham, who made good saves to deny Stewart and Max Woltman.
The visitors almost took the lead shortly after half-time when Liverpool keeper Harvey Davies made an outstanding stop to deny Sam Durrant.
And from the subsequent corner, the Reds netted the 54th-minute opener when a clearance released Stewart, who capitalised on Eastham rushing out and colliding with a Blackburn defender by tapping into the unguarded goal.
Liverpool strengthened their grip on the game 17 minutes from time when, after Tyler Morton was upended in the penalty area, Stewart converted from the spot via the post.
Five minutes later the points were secured with a fine team goal.
Morton played an excellent reverse pass in for Stewart who, instead of attempting to complete his hat-trick, played the ball across for O'Rourke to finish beyond Eastham.
Liverpool U18s are next in action on Saturday at Stoke City.
LIVERPOOL U18s: Davies; Bradley, Quansah, Savage, Beck; Balagizi, Stephenson, Morton; Stewart, O’Rourke (Rodriques 90), Woltman (Wilson 84). Subs: Hewitson, Chambers, Mabaya.
