First-half goals from Zak Coxon and Haydn Murray-Holme – the former a solo run and finish, the latter a stunning long-ranger – put the Reds ahead in the U18 Premier League Cup tie.

Matty Wright also saved an Ipswich penalty before Joel Ladegbaye brilliantly, but futilely, reduced the deficit for the visitors.

The results sees Liverpool finish third in Group E and bow out of this season’s competition.

A high press by Charlie Huth almost generated an opening goal for Liverpool within three minutes.

The No.7 rushed Ipswich goalkeeper Teddy Twyman in the six-yard box and blocked his clearance, but the ball ricocheted away.

At the other end, Wright saved a James Brentnall free-kick effort before producing an excellent stop when an unmarked Ladegbaye looked set to score from close range.

The Reds promptly took the lead themselves in the 10th minute.

It was a goal wholly of Coxon’s own making as he collected a loose ball inside his own half, sped forward to the opposition box and found the net.

Liverpool’s attempts to build on their advantage saw Coxon strike too high at the near post having been picked out by Isaiah Garin.

The lively Coxon was also off target when he intercepted a back-pass to go through on goal, while Garin was denied by the ’keeper at the end of another driving run.

Simon Wiles’ side – watched by Sir Kenny Dalglish – got their second in spectacular fashion just before half-time.

A clearance from Twyman came straight to Murray-Holme somewhere around 40 yards out and the midfielder brilliantly lobbed the ball back into the exposed net.

Ipswich had the chance of a route back into the game 10 minutes into the second half as they won a penalty for Murray-Holme’s foul on Callum Stewart.

But Wright was the Reds’ hero as he guessed correctly to repel Chris Atherton’s kick.

A couple of opportunities came and went for the hosts, with Coxon unable to convert Cam Williams’ cross and Daniel Majekodunmi not far away with a curler following a one-two with Erik Farkas.

And the away team set up a tense finale with a wondergoal of their own on 68 minutes.

Ipswich turned over possession and, from just inside the Liverpool half, Ladegbaye lobbed a shot up and over Wright for 2-1.

Late pressure ensued, though the Reds could also have put the game to bed, with Huth inches wide from another inviting Williams delivery and Majekodunmi again going close right at the end.

But Wiles’ charges held firm to see out the win.

Team

Liverpool: M. Wright, Garin, Williams, Dixon, Jikiemi, Murray-Holme, Huth, Hickman, Coxon, Majekodunmi, E. Farkas.

Unused subs: Moran, Jeffries, Conde, Powney Wain, Ekiugbo.

Goals: Coxon (10), Murray-Holme (45)

Next up

The Reds have a fortnight’s break before their next competitive match, away at Stoke City in U18 Premier League North.

Kick-off at Clayton Wood Training Ground on Saturday November 21 will be 11am GMT.