Crewe Alexandra's Under-18's slipped to a home defeat against Liverpool in the final FA Premier Academy League game before the Christmas break.
Buoyed by the 3-2 win away at Manchester United the previous weekend, the Alex couldn't produce a similar performance against the Merseysiders as the visitors scored three times in the last 15 minutes of the game to earn only their fourth victory of the season.
Steve Holland's youngsters started the game brightly and midfielder Chris Clements came closest to opening the scoring after just six minutes with a powerful drive which was well saved by the Liverpool goalkeeper.
But it was Nick Farquharson who had the best opportunity of the first half as he raced onto a long ball from defence only to be denied by a great double save from the keeper, who blocked Farquharson's first effort, before making another superb save from the rebound.
The second half was a scrappy affair with chances at a premium at both ends, but it was Liverpool who eventually broke the deadlock as Alex keeper Craig Ellison was beaten by Michael Collins' header from Ray Putterill's cross.
Three minutes later things got worse as Putterill won possession, drifted in from the left and fired low under Ellison to make it 2-0. The third came four minutes before the break, as Putterill netted again from the edge of the penalty area to secure the win.
There was some consolation for the Alex in the final minute as substitute Ajay Leitch-Smith latched onto a long clearance and fired home to make it 3-1.
The Under-18's are next in action on Thursday as they travel to Cambridge United in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup.
Team: Craig Ellison; Ashley Westwood, Russell Courtney, Thomas Lappin, Luke Danville; Chris Clements (sub Dexter Ravenhill 86), James Bailey, Luke Murphy, Junior Brown; Byron Moore (sub Amari Morgan-Smith 80), Nick Farquharson (sub Ajay Leitch-Smith 70)
Subs (Not Used): Gareth Evans
