ACADEMY WATCH: Marc Bridge-Wilkinson prepares for his final match with Liverpool U18s as Premier League 2 play-offs end in disappointment
Liverpool may have won the top championship, but their under-21 team faced a disappointing end to their season, falling short in the Premier League 2 play-offs after a 2-1 loss to Manchester City last Friday.
This defeat marked a frustrating finish to a challenging season for Barry Lewtas’s squad, highlighting their struggles throughout the latter part of the year.
Improved Performance for U18s
In contrast, the U18 team has shown signs of improvement, wrapping up their season with an exciting draw at Stoke City as they prepare to bid farewell to their long-serving coach, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.
Difficult Season for U21s
The U21 team faced a tough second half of the season, winning only one of their last twelve games after a strong start. This slump hindered their playoff ambitions, ultimately placing them outside the top tier for next season’s competitions.
City Clash
In their playoff match, Liverpool initially performed well but fell behind to City. Despite strong performances, including a leveling goal by Tommy Pilling, they were unable to hold off City, who scored the decisive goal late in extra time.
Farewell to Bridge-Wilkinson
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s tenure concludes with a final derby match against Everton at Kirkby, as Liverpool seeks to avoid the bottom of the U18 Premier League North standings. A successful recent performance against Middlesbrough has improved their positioning ahead of this crucial encounter.
Injury Challenges
The Academy teams have struggled with several injury setbacks that have forced younger players into higher age group competitions. Notably, Kieran Morrison was sidelined towards the end of the season due to a protective injury boot.
