IT was another frustrating day for Liverpool’s Under-18s on Saturday as a late strike from Formby-born Josh Alderson saw them held to a 2-2 draw at home to Barnsley.

Mike Marsh’s side had led twice thanks to fine goals from Josh Sumner and Kristoffer Peterson, but wasted a host of chances to make the game safe, and were eventually punished in stoppage time by Alderson, a former Formby High pupil.

The young Reds have now won just one of their opening five league fixtures.

“It was disappointing to concede so late in the game,” says Marsh. “We put in a lot of effort, but credit to Barnsley, they did too. They had a good game and they will be delighted to come away with a point.

“We are disappointed not to have won the game; we had a chance to go 2-0 up which we missed, and one to go 3-1 up which we missed, but that’s football.”

Sumner gave the Reds a first-half lead against the Tykes, who had won each of their opening four matches, with a sublime 25-yard strike, and though Jordan Clark levelled for Barnsley, another fine effort from Peterson looked to have given Liverpool the win.

“Josh has been getting into great positions all season,” said Marsh. “His end product hasn’t quite been there, but on Saturday he was excellent. He worked so hard that he had to go off in the second half with a touch of cramp.”

Marsh was also critical of young substitute David Moli, who wasted a great chance to add a third goal.

“It was selfishness from David,” he added. “He went for individual glory instead of thinking of the team, and it has cost us.

“He will learn – or he better had!”

Liverpool travel to face Wolves this weekend.