Nathan Eccleston scored a brilliant goal as Liverpool Reserves drew 1-1 with Bray Wanderers in front of the watching Kenny Dalglish on Monday night.

In front of a sell-out crowd at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray, Co. Wicklow, Rodolfo Borrell's side played their part in an entertaining encounter, despite the torrential rain.

Apart from the experience of Moroccan international Nabil El Zhar, the starting XI featured six of the U18 regulars from last season.

The youngsters also had the privilege of manager Dalglish watching them from the bench.

The home side took the lead midway through the second half when Adam Croomes pounced to score after Jamie Stephens saved Jake Kelly's initial free-kick.

The Reds responded and captain for the night Eccleston scored an equaliser that delighted the crowd, when he beat two defenders and curled home into the far corner.

Eccleston, who enjoyed a loan spell at Charlton Athletic last season, had an excellent night and was a constant threat in attack.

The Academy graduate had the best chance of the first half when he was unlucky to see a fine solo run end with a shot narrowly wide of target, and he almost won the game with a fine effort after a sweet one-two with substitute David Amoo.

Brad Smith, Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Tyrell Belford made their first appearances since representing England U17s at the World Cup in Mexico.

Smith played the full 90 minutes at left-back while the lively Sterling came on as a second half replacement for Nabil El Zhar to make his reserve team debut.

Sterling almost won the game three minutes from time with a fantastic curler that came back off the bar with the Bray 'keeper well beaten.

Borrell's side will now conclude their Irish tour with a match against Waterford on Wednesday night.

Liverpool Reserves: Jamie Stephens (Tyrell Belford), Emmanuel Mendy (Adam Hajdu), Brad Smith, Stephen Sama, Matty McGiveron, Craig Roddan, Toni Silva (Krisztian Adjorjan), Michael Roberts (David Amoo), Nathan Eccleston (Kristjan Emilsson), Suso, Nabil El Zhar (Raheem Sterling). Unused sub: Tom King.