Liverpool U18s were beaten 5-2 in a top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City at the Academy Stadium after what was the archetypal game of two halves.
The young Reds dominated the first period with goals from Jake Cain and Niall Brookwell - and could have been out of sight inside the opening 25 minutes.
But they were left to rue their missed chances as City hit back strongly after the break to stretch their lead at the top of the league.
The starting line-up saw Brookwell drop into a back three for the Reds with wing-backs Jack Walls and James Norris pushed higher.