The young Reds went into Saturday’s U18 Premier League North game at the Kirkby Academy on a run of four successive matches without a victory across all competitions, but produced a dominant performance that saw all seven goals scored in the second half.

Finn Inglethorpe led the way with a hat-trick that took his goal tally for the season to 10, with Erik Farkas (two), Daniel Majekodunmi and Lenix Conde also getting on the scoresheet in front of the watching club captain Virgil van Dijk.

Most of the play took place in Sunderland’s half in the early stages, with AJ Yeguo a constant threat down Liverpool’s left flank.

But Sunderland went so close to scoring first midway through the first half when Caleb Shakespeare hit the underside of the bar following a goalmouth scramble.

The young Reds struck the woodwork themselves soon after, following a superb run by Yeguo. Conde’s cross located Inglethorpe, but the skipper’s header came back off the bar.

Only a last-ditch defensive block prevented Farkas from netting after more dangerous work from Yeguo and the pressure on Sunderland’s goal was mounting.

The visitors made it to half-time level but Liverpool broke their resistance five minutes after the restart, when Inglethorpe headed home a pinpoint cross by Farkas, who had just seen an effort of his own cleared off the line.

Just after the hour mark it was 2-0 as Majekodunmi scored from close range and the dominant hosts quickly extended their advantage further.

Two goalscorers combined as Majekodunmi regained possession and released Inglethorpe, who finished for his second of the afternoon.

And Simon Wiles’ side were ruthless in the final 10 minutes, finding the net on four more occasions.

Inglethorpe turned provider for Farkas to get his first goal, before the skipper completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Farkas then added a sixth with a lovely free-kick and the scoring was rounded off by Conde, who finished Cam Williams’ cross to make it 7-0.

Team

Liverpool: M. Wright, Conde, Dixon, Jikiemi, Williams (Garin, 88), Murray-Holme, Hickman, Majekodunmi (Eden, 73), E. Farkas, Yeguo, Inglethorpe.

Unused subs: Jeffries, Huth, Coxon.

Goals: Inglethorpe (50, 66, 83), Majekodunmi (63), E. Farkas (80, 85), Conde (87).

Next up

Liverpool host Ipswich Town in the U18 Premier League Cup next Saturday (November 7), with kick-off at the Academy scheduled for 11am GMT.