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Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool has a shot on goal during the Premier League 2 game against Chelsea at the Academy in Kirkby on February 16 2025(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool's hopes of making the Premier League 2 play-offs suffered another setback with heavy defeat at home to Chelsea.

Substitute Lee Jonas was sent off as the Reds' under-21 side were thumped 3-0 by the Londoners at the Academy in Kirkby on Sunday afternoon.

Jonas was dismissed for a second yellow card three minutes from time having been introduced on the half-hour following a hamstring injury to Terence Miles.

With six games remaining, Barry Lewtas's side remain without a win in Premier League 2 since November and have now slipped to 12th in the table.

The top 16 qualify for the play-offs with the Reds now four points clear of 17th-placed West Bromwich Albion, who have two games in hand.

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Liverpool had the best opportunity of a tight first half when 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, playing against his former club, saw an angled shot turned away by Chelsea goalkeeper Ted Curd.

Kieran Morrison wasted a chance shortly after the interval when firing over, and the visitors took advantage when going ahead on 56 minutes through Kiano Dyer.

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The young Reds had chances to equalise but Chelsea doubled their lead on 73 minutes when Dyer turned provider for Shumaira Mheuka.

And after Jonas was sent off for conceding a penalty when fouling the dangerous Ato Ampah, Donnell McNeilly converted from the spot to complete the victory.

Liverpool are next in Premier League 2 action on Friday when they visit Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

LIVERPOOL U21s (4-2-3-1): Davies; Mabaya (Pinnington 81), Lucky, Nallo, Miles (Jonas 31); Pilling, Nyoni (Laffey 81); Kone-Doherty, Morrison, Ngumoha; Figueroa (Young 70).

BOOKINGS: Jonas, Pilling, Davies.
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