The Dutch striker fired home the only goal of the game early in the first-half as John McMahon's men extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches and moved to within seven points of leaders Manchester United, with four games in hand.

The Reds coach was forced to field a youthful side for the trip to Humberside, bringing Academy starlets Alex Cooper and John Flanagan into the full-back positions, while Francisco Duran continued his recovery from a long-term knee injury in the midfield.

It meant the hosts had the upper hand in terms of experience, but it made little difference to the visitors as they bossed what proved to be a very comfortable first 45.

Indeed, a confident start was capped by a sensational opening goal on seven minutes, as Brouwer collected Damien Plessis's prod forward and unleashed a superb right footed shot that arrowed into the far corner.

The Tigers were clearly shocked by the composure of the young Reds and their only chance of significance arrived on 17 minutes when Victor Palsson conceded possession to Kamel Ghilas just inside the Reds' half. The Algeria international was able to race into the right hand side of the area but flashed a shot just past the upright.

It capped a disappointing opening for the home side, and they began the second period hoping to give new boss Iain Dowie - who was watching in the stands - some food for thought with an improved showing.

It didn't take long for them to offer more in the attacking third either, as Tom Cairney finally tested Peter Gulacsi with a long range effort within 90 seconds of the restart.

The two sides then exchanged blows, with Mark Cullen drilling inches wide after Brouwer had headed Steven Irwin's delightful cross off target.

There was more attacking intent evident in both sides' approach play and it took some fine goalkeeping from Mark Oxley to deny Plessis a rare goal, after the Frenchman's low shot had taken a wicked deflection.

As the clock ran down Seyi Olofinjana went close from distance before Ghilas contrived to thrash a shot into the stands and hand all three points to Liverpool, after he had looked odds-on to level with just three minutes left.

Hull City Reserves: Mark Oxley, John Leonard, Seyi Olofinjana, Ibrahima Sonko, Nathan Hanley, Danny Wilkinson, Tom Cairney, Nicky Featherstone, Will Atkinson, Mark Cullen (Baragh Satelle 83), Kamel Ghilas. Unused subs: Bill Ward, Gavan Hollohan, Joe Fox.

Liverpool Reserves: Peter Gulacsi, John Flanagan, Alex Cooper, Daniel Ayala, Victor Palsson, Francisco Duran (Nikolaj Kohlert 59), Jordy Brouwer (Nikola Saric 73), Steven Irwin, Lauri Dalla Valle, Damien Plessis, Alex Kacaniklic (Tony Silva 85). Unused subs: Chris Oldfield, Michael Ihiekwe.

Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: John Flanagan. A solid, eye-catching debut for the teenage full-back. Francisco Duran's 60 minute cameo also deserves praise.

*Hull named four substitutes.