Liverpool U18 3-0 Fulham U18

Fulham Under-18s' FA Youth Cup journey came to an end on Sunday after a 3-0 loss against Liverpool.

The young Whites were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, but some clinical finishing in the second half from the home side made it a tough afternoon.

Ali Melloul was able to name a very similar side the one that put five past Swansea City in the previous round. Lemar Gordon returned to the starting line-up and Ollie Gofford replaced Tom Olyott, who started on the substitutes bench.

The first chance of the game came our way, when Lemar Gordon received the ball in a tight area before firing inches wide of the left post. The opportunity came following some excellent pressing from the front.

Bradley De Jesus headed over at the back post from the resulting corner.

The hosts were struggling to get out and we went close again a few minutes later. This time it was Loupalo-Bi who rolled a shot just wide, after the forward did brilliantly to cut onto his right and create time and space for himself.

The chances kept coming for the young Whites. Callum Osmand broke away down the right and squared towards Loupalo-Bi, who was quickly closed down by the goalkeeper and a couple of defenders.

It was simply all Fulham in the opening 20 minutes. Gordon sat a defender down with a cut inside but his strike was straight at goalkeeper Kornel Misciur.

Just seconds later, Esenga swung in a delightful cross to Gofford, whose close-range header was blasted over. Another huge chance for our 18s, who were performing brilliantly in the opening stages.

It took Liverpool until the 39th minute to threaten our goal, when Jayden Danns' well hit free-kick was drilled just wide of the far post.

Yet another chance came and went soon after, when Gofford broke away down the right before forcing Misciur into a strong save from a tight angle.

Despite creating several decent opportunties, it remained goalless as we went into the break.

The home side were much improved after the interval and created a decent chance on 51 minutes. Trey Nyoni found himself with time and space in our area and his goal-bound effort was well blocked.

We’d kept the young Reds pretty quiet for most of the game, but they took the lead on 55 minutes. An impressive cross was aimed into the area and Koumas was on hand to coolly head home.

The hosts added a second just a minute later courtesy of a stunning strike from Morrison. The midfielder struck a left-footed effort into the top right corner and there was very little Underwood could do.

Our task was made even harder just past the 70-minute mark, when Danns produced an incredible half-volley from miles out to make it 3-0.

Underwood made a brilliant save for us with just under 10 minutes remaining, reacting quickly to push Koumas' stinging effort up against the crossbar.

Loupalo-Bi almost got us one back, latching onto a clever Osmand through-ball before forcing the 'keeper into a strong save.

Our lads continued to push for a late consolation but time soon ran out.