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Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool (Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

A strong Liverpool Under-21s side were beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough at the Academy on Sunday, thanks to Amara Nallo's first-half own goal.

With no game for Arne Slot's senior side this weekend, manager Barry Lewtas was able to name a strong XI.

The likes of Rio Ngumoha, James McConnell and Trey Nyoni all started alongside Trent Kone-Doherty and Isaac Mabaya, who both featured in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle last month.

The ECHO was on hand to analyse the performances of those who stood out on a day when wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping performance denied them victory.

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Having made his senior debut in the FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley in January, Rio Ngumoha is a name who more and more supporters are getting used to hearing.

At times, though, it's easy to forget the winger is just 17, being asked to perform in U21 sides against players who are acutely aware of the reputation he has forged at youth level.

One strong run in the first period ended with a dangerous cross that saw the diminutive Trent Kone-Doherty crowded out by taller, stronger Boro defenders, while one shot flashed wide with his left foot.

As the game wore on, the young Reds continued to try and service the quicksilver wideman but the visitors, with something to hold on to, ensured they doubled and even tripled up on Ngumoha, meaning space was at a premium down the left flank.

It was unwanted attention that made fashioning chances more difficult and one goal-saving block denied him an equaliser in the second half as Middlesbrough retreated and got bodies behind the ball after Nallo's own goal had given them the advantage.

This was a reminder that while Ngumoha's talent is precocious, there will be days like this when the opposition are able to stifle the natural ability and creativity.

On another day, Trent Kone-Doherty might have had a hat-trick.

Instead, he left the field full of 'what ifs' after being denied three times by a superb Shea Connor performance in the Middlesbrough goal.

The first opportunity came when James McConnell lofted one over the defence but Kone-Doherty's tame volley was saved before two even more gilt-edged chances were fluffed in the second half.

The first of those arrived when Connor had managed to avert a second own goal of the game when Kieran Morrison's cross had been turned goalwards by a Middlesbrough defender.

But with the goal gaping, Kone-Doherty was still somehow thwarted by the goalkeeper, who held the effort from about six yards.

Not known for his aerial prowess, the Irish winger still should have done better moments later when he arrived at the back post unmarked from a clever corner routine, only to once more be denied by Connor.

Aside from the eye-catching misses, however, it was a decent outing for Kone-Doherty, whose powerful running caused problems throughout, particularly in the first half before Boro retreated in numbers.

Next time he just needs to bring those shooting boots.

Having both played a part with the seniors this season, it was back to the day job for Trey Nyoni and McConnell, who both played well in the centre of the park for Barry Lewtas's side.

McConnell's hoisted pass deserved a better finish from Kone-Doherty in the first period and Nyoni grew into the game and was smooth whenever he was in possession.

One neat give-and-go with Lee Jonas saw Nyoni find Ranel Young, who then went close before a teasing delivery in the second half should have been converted by Keyrol Figueroa.

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With no FA Cup games this season and the Carabao Cup ending with the Wembley showpiece against Newcastle United on March 16, opportunities for both Nyoni and McConnell in the first team might have to wait until next season now but both did enough here for Slot to be given some positive feedback.


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