Harry Wilson’s penalty and a sensational strike by Sheyi Ojo at the Kop end had hauled the young Reds level as they responded superbly to a quickfire double from the visitors.
But the last word went to Kevin Stewart, against his former club, with a bullet header eight minutes from time settling the game in Liverpool’s favour.
Rhian Brewster, making his first appearance at Anfield, had the match’s first opportunity when Wilson intelligently flicked a header back to the edge of the box in the sixth minute.
The ball sat up nicely for the 17-year-old forward to take a touch and volley, but too much power on his strike meant it looped over the crossbar.