LIVERPOOL Under-18s entertain Wolves at the Academy on Saturday (11am) looking to bounce back from last weekend’s eventful 5-3 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Coach Steve Cooper saw his youngsters pay the price for some slack defending as their run of three successive wins was ended in the capital.

“Although I was disappointed in terms of our defending, I was pleased with our overall attitude,” he said.

“The lads never gave up the fight and we’ve just got to keep building now, like we have been in recent weeks.”

The Reds got off to a flyer as inside two minutes Kristoffer Peterson rose to meet Alex O’Hanlon’s corner and powered a header into the net.

However, Palace were soon level with Sully Kai-Kai providing the finish after a through ball from Jake Gray.

Liverpool fell behind in controversial circumstances. First, Jordan Lussey’s shot from the edge of the box appeared to strike a hand but penalty appeals were waved away.

To rub salt into the wounds, Palace broke forward and were awarded a dubious spot-kick after trialist Derek Tieku went down in the area. Captain Connor Dymond scored to make it 2-1.

Ten minutes before the break the Reds were caught out by a long ball forward and Palace added a third courtesy of Gray’s header.

In the second half Liverpool fought back with Lloyd Jones and Sam Gainford both going close before Daniel Trickett-Smith converted from close range.

The Reds threw players forward in search of an equaliser but with 10 minutes to go Palace restored their two-goal cushion when Gray slotted home.

Skipper Jordan Lussey gave the visitors hope as he converted from the penalty spot but Palace had the final say late on thanks to Kai-Kai’s stunning chip.