Danns returns as Liverpool Under-21s Secure Draw With Reading | OneFootball

Liverpool Under-21s Secure Draw Against Reading After Injury Returns

Liverpool’s Under-21s made their long-awaited return to action on Saturday with a 1-1 draw away at Reading in Premier League 2, marking an important step for several players who had been sidelined by injury. The match, which took place at Aldershot’s EBB Stadium, was the first league outing for Barry Lewtas’ side since November 3, when they triumphed 4-1 over Wolves.

Danns and McConnell Return to Action

The spotlight in this fixture fell on the return of two key players who had spent considerable time on the sidelines. 18-year-old Jayden Danns, who had not featured since the summer due to a back injury, was named in the squad and came on as a substitute during the second half. His return was eagerly anticipated, with many hoping to see his promising talent on display once again. Also back from injury was James McConnell, who made his first start since overcoming a long-term ankle problem.

“Jayden Danns was named in the matchday squad, having frustratingly not played any competitive football since suffering a back injury in the summer,” a statement from the club explained. This marked a critical moment in the young midfielder’s recovery, and his involvement was seen as a significant boost for Liverpool’s Under-21s moving forward.

Early Setback for Liverpool

Despite the optimism surrounding the return of Danns and McConnell, it was a rocky start for the Reds. The match was only a few minutes old when they found themselves trailing. Reading’s Josh Davidson unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, gifting Liverpool an early deficit to overcome.

However, Lewtas’ side responded well, showing resilience and attacking flair. Just before the break, Keyrol Figueroa equalised for the visitors. Kieran Morrison, who had been outstanding in previous fixtures, once again proved his worth by providing the assist. The 20-year-old midfielder sent in a well-placed cross across the face of goal, leaving Figueroa with an easy tap-in to level the scores.

Photo: IMAGO

Danns Almost Seals the Win

One of the standout moments of the game was the introduction of Jayden Danns on the hour mark. Though rusty, he quickly became involved in the action and showed glimpses of his potential. Shortly after coming on, Danns was presented with a golden opportunity to put Liverpool ahead when he was teed up by Trey Nyoni. However, in what was a rare miss for the young forward, Danns dragged his effort wide, failing to seize the chance to complete what would have been a perfect comeback performance.

Despite Danns’ missed opportunity, Liverpool had Kornel Misciur to thank for keeping the score level. The goalkeeper made a stunning save late in the game, performing acrobatically to deny Reading a late winner and ensure the Reds left with a point. Misciur’s save came in the 80th minute, with the young keeper diving superbly to keep the scores level and protect the draw.

Liverpool’s Position in Premier League 2

The draw sees Liverpool sit in third place in the Premier League 2 standings, keeping them well in the hunt for the top spots. The team will now look ahead to their next fixture: a home clash with Nordsjaelland in the Premier League International Cup, scheduled for Wednesday. This will offer another opportunity for players like Danns and McConnell to build on their match fitness, with the club keen to ensure their stars return to full form for the remainder of the season.

Under-18s Suffer Heartbreak Against Everton

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Under-18s were in action at Finch Farm, taking on Everton in the mini-derby. It was a match full of drama, with Joe Bradshaw scoring twice for the visitors. Unfortunately for the Reds, the game slipped away in added time as Everton netted twice, clinching a 3-2 win and securing local bragging rights.

Despite the disappointment for the Under-18s, the performances from players like Bradshaw, who continues to impress with his goalscoring ability, will provide positives for the youth setup moving forward.