Blackburn U18s 1-1 Liverpool U18s
U18 Premier League, Blackburn Rovers Football Academy
February 21, 2026
Goals: Calling machine 6′; Bradshaw 55′
To build on last weekend’s 6-1 home win over Leeds, Liverpool U18s made the short trip to Blackburn with two changes to the starting XI.
Josh Abe is away with England U16s, so La’more Lee Forrester came into the front of the team, while Ollie O’Connor replaced DJ Esdaille at right-back.
Notably, under-16 goalkeeper James Hilditch was named to the bench for the first time at under-18 level.
Lee Forrester had the first chance, but the angle proved too tight and the young striker shot at the goalkeeper who remained steadfast.
Blackburn then took the lead after just six minutes thanks to a brilliant goal from striker Tom Cryer, who lifted the ball over a challenging defender and beaten the air ball from the edge of the penalty area past ‘keeper Kornel Misciur.
The hosts pressed on and threatened Liverpool further, but Misciur ensured the lead remained at just one goal.
However, midway through the first half, Blackburn managed to beat the 18-year-old shot-stopper. However, Cryer was denied a brace thanks to a crucial clearance from centre-back Lucas Clarke.
The ex-Man City defender, who arrived 13 months ago, almost scored himself when his head met Joe Upton’s corner, but he could not keep his effort away.
Halftime: Blackburn U18s 1-0 Liverpool U18s
Just before half-time, promising young attacker Sonni-Lambie went down injured, academy source reports Lewis Bowerwhich led to coach Simon Wiles withdrawing him for AJ Yeguo at the break to prevent further damage.
He wasn’t the only substitution at half-time, with 14-year-old Luca Eden replacing Haydn Murray-Holme in midfield.
A different Liverpool emerged in the second half, with wingers Bradshaw and Erik Farkas becoming increasingly involved.
It was the latter who scored the brilliant shot that equalized ten minutes into the second period. Farkas’ strike rebounded off the crossbar and into the path of Bradshaw, who managed to steer home from the penalty area.
The pair almost combined again later for a winner, with Farkas finding Bradshaw on the break who set up Lee Forrester, but goalkeeper Luke Thompson denied the striker.
Blackburn then regained the ascendancy and put pressure on the Reds, but it was arguably Liverpool who could have won the match when Luca Eden was denied a strong claim for a penalty in the final minutes.
Next up is a trip to the North East to play Middlesbrough, who they have yet to play this season, on Saturday 28th February.
Liverpool U18s: Other; O’Connor, Cisse, Clarke, Powney Wain; Murray-Holme (Eden 46′), Upton; Farkas, Sonni-Lambie (Yeguo 46′), Bradshaw; Lee Forrester
Subs not used: Hilditch, Hickman, Ayman
Next match: Middlesbrough U18s (A) – U18 Premier League – Saturday 28 February, 12.30pm (GMT)
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