Layton Stewart’s continued red-hot streak in front of goal was not enough to secure victory for Liverpool under-21s as they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League 2.
After a cagey first half at the Academy, the visitors fired themselves ahead just minutes after the restart when Andy Moran was well-placed to capitalise on some sketchy Liverpool defending and convert from close range.
The young Reds, however, responded emphatically as Harvey Blair restored parity shortly after when he converted Ben Doak's low-driven cross.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk speaks out on 'hard' Liverpool dressing room talks after Man City defeat
READ MORE: How Liverpool could line up in 2023/24 after dream summer transfer window
Stewart, on as a second-half substitute, claimed his fifth goal in his last six games when his deflected effort from inside the box looped over the head of the helpless Killian Cahill.
But that wasn’t enough to strengthen Liverpool’s grip on third place in the Premier League 2 standings as Brighton’s Cameron Peupion delivered a cruel blow and equalised with just three minutes remaining.
Manager Barry Lewtas was able to name a strong side for the clash, with Doak, Bobby Clark, Blair and Billy Koumetio, who have all earned first-team experience in recent seasons, named in the starting eleven.
Yet despite the young Reds’ early dominance, it was the visitors who arguably had the better chances in the first half as Jamie Mullins was released on the counter-attack only to be initially thwarted by defender Lee Jonas. Liverpool's failure to completely vacate the danger, however, allowed Brighton to unleash the first meaningful effort of the game, which nestled just wide of Harvey Davies' far post.
Though Lewtas' side did respond well and had chances of their own through Blair, who had the total beating of his opposite number Sam Packham, on the left flank as the winger combined with Clark and the supporting Owen Beck.
Liverpool revelled in Brighton's courage to play out from the back early on and almost found themselves ahead in fortunate circumstances when the Seagulls' No.1 took a careless first touch on the goal line and was very nearly punished by the onrushing Max Woltman.
But it was James McConnell who had Liverpool's best chance of the half when he let fly from the edge of the area only to watch his effort land straight into the arms of Cahill after a cute turn on the edge of the box.
Four minutes into the second half, Moran would score the first goal of the afternoon when a string of Brighton shirts profited from Jonas' poor defensive header which allowed Peupion to square the ball across the face of goal, where the visitors' No.9 was left unmarked.
Despite the setback, though, the home side responded well and soon had their equaliser when the impressive Blair was afforded time and space to cushion Doak's low-driven cross into the box before finishing coolly.
Having failed to offer much of a threat in the final third for the previous hour at Kirkby, Liverpool, buoyed by their equaliser, sent on Mateusz Musialowski, Tom Hill and Stewart in search of an elusive second goal.
Just moments later, Lewtas would reap the rewards of his tactical roll of the dice when Stewart’s deflected effort on 77 minutes looped over goalkeeper Cahill and looked set to hand Liverpool a hard-fought three points at Kirkby. However, a late sucker punch from the influential Peupion just 10 minutes later would ensure Brighton left Merseyside with a share of the spoils after an action-packed second half.
Liverpool U21s are next in action on April 16 when they visit Everton in the mini-Merseyside derby.
Liverpool XI: Davies, Stephenson, Jonas, Koumetio, Beck; Clark (Hill ‘65), Corness, McConnell (Norris ‘65); Doak, Woltman (Stewart ‘65), Blair (Musialowski ‘65).
Unused substitutes: Oludare Olufunwa.
READ NEXT:
- Wayne Rooney has 'suspicion' about Liverpool this season
- Jamie Carragher makes Monday Night Football plea after 'ridiculous' Chelsea sacking of Graham Potter
- Jurgen Klopp must make Luis Diaz choice as Liverpool change beckons
- Gary Neville warns Arsenal about Anfield with 'terror' Liverpool message
- ‘Worst player I've ever seen, now 'f*** off’ - from sleeping in a shed to Liverpool icon and inventor of Adidas Predator
