Everton Under-18s’ 13 game unbeaten run came to an end after goals from Okera Simmonds and Yan Dhanda handed Liverpool a 2-1 win in the mini-derby at USM Finch Farm.
This was first time Kevin Sheedy’s side had played in 2017 after a four week Christmas break.
Sheedy’s side were also weakened by the absences of Morgan Feeney, Beni Baningime and Antony Evans - all regulars so far this campaign.
However, despite the personnel changes and long layoff, they were much the better side throughout and unfortunate not to take something from a predictably hard-fought contest.