Under 18's beaten

Last updated : 21 August 2007 By Al Campbell
The Reds were hammered in their opening game of the new season, losing 5-0 at Aston Villa. Liverpool played well in the first half but were 1-0 down at the interval after conceding against the run of play. The second half saw a complete defensive collapse.

"It is disappointing for everybody concerned to lose a match 5-0 and it's a kick up the backside for the players," said under 18's boss Hugh McAulley.

"The players are developing but they know the standard that is required here. We will work hard this week in training before our next game against Sunderland at the Academy on Saturday.

"We were in the game in the first half but we didn't take our opportunities. Villa scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second half and things then just went from bad to worse for us."