Tyler Morton made it a very happy birthday as he helped Liverpool move nearer the U18s Premier League summit.
Morton celebrated turning 18 by scoring twice as the U18s eased to a 4-1 win over Newcastle United at a blustery Academy in Kirkby on Saturday afternoon.
Max Woltman and Layton Stewart were also on target as Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side moved to within a point of leaders Middlesbrough with a game in hand.
With Morton excellent in midfield alongside the imposing James Balagizi and 16-year-old Isaac Mabaya impressing having been shifted to right-back, the Magpies were well beaten.
Liverpool had signalled their intent early on with Balagizi shooting too close to Newcastle goalkeeper Oliver Marshall after good play from the busy Woltman.
Stewart had one shot saved and another blocked before the visitors responded with a blistering effort from range by Lucas De Bolle that struck the woodwork.
Liverpool, though, took the lead on 21 minutes with a goal that owed much to taking advantage of the conditions.
With the wind holding up a targeted long pass out the back from Lee Jonas, Woltman was able to sprint clear of the Newcastle defence and finish left-footed inside the far post.
Liverpool’s lead was doubled eight minutes later, Woltman this time turning provider with a neat pass inside the area to provide Morton an easy finish.
The second half saw little change in the pattern of play as the Reds continued to create chances.
Morton claimed his second six minutes after the restart by tapping in after a good move ended with Melkamu Frauendorf cutting the ball back from the left.
Stewart was frustrated once more by Marshall after being sent clear by an excellent Morton pass while a rare Newcastle opportunity ended with Jarell Quansah’s interception thumping his own crossbar.
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Stewart, though, finally got ninth goal of the season with 19 minutes remaining, thumping in an angled drive after Woltman’s shot had been blocked following a good initial raid by Mabaya.
To their credit, Newcastle didn’t allow their heads to be bowed and De Bolle grabbed a consolation in the closing stages.
Liverpool U18s are in action again next Saturday when they visit Wolverhampton Wanderers.
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Ojrzynski; Mabaya, Quansah, Jonas, Corness; Stephenson, Morton, Balagizi (Musialowski); Frauendorf, Woltman, Stewart (Cannonier). Subs: Davies, Wilson.
