Liverpool U23s were defeated 2-1 by West Ham United at the Academy on Sunday.
The young Reds created a litany of chances throughout what was a one-sided Premier League 2 contest, but were foiled by a combination of their own profligacy and an inspired performance by visiting goalkeeper Nathan Trott.
After Reece Oxford had headed West Ham into a third-minute lead, Neil Critchley’s team took charge.
Captain Matty Virtue finally got the goal the hosts’ dominance merited soon after half-time, and a first PL2 win of the season looked to be coming.
However, Oladapo Afolayan’s curling free-kick 17 minutes from time snatched all three points for the Hammers.