Neil Critchley gave 16 players valuable minutes as the game was played on a half-hour each way basis.
Herbie Kane and Pedro Chirivella also featured for the Reds following their loan spells last season, while Tom Clayton made a welcome return from injury which saw him sidelined since January.
The lively Abdi Sharif, who recently penned his first professional contract with the club, went close on two occasions in the opening half.
The Scouse midfielder broke into the box following a fine run but could only drag his shot wide of the post.