Liverpool U19s' dreams of NextGen Series glory are over after they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-final tie at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.
The Reds can consider themselves highly unfortunate to have exited the tournament after turning in an impressive display in north London.
Although it was Spurs who made the brighter start, Michael Ngoo spurned two good chances to put Rodolfo Borrell's side ahead before the half-hour mark.
With the visitors finishing the first half firmly in the ascendancy, Raheem Sterling was left holding his head in his hands after he could only direct a shot wide of the target following a trademark jinking run into the box.
The second half was a much more even affair, although Toni Silva had a goal-bound effort turned away by a brave block from Kevin Stewart when he seemed certain to score.
And it was Tottenham who took the lead on 71 minutes when Tyrell Belford was unable to hold on to a deflected shot, and Shaquile Coulthirst was on hand to tap the loose ball home and put the hosts in front.
Liverpool threatened what would have been a deserved equaliser in the latter stages, but both Sterling and Silva were thwarted by magnificent saves from Spurs 'keeper Jonathan Miles.
With virtually the last kick of the game, substitute Adam Morgan shaved the outside of the post with a turn and shot inside a crowded box as the Reds were unable to find the equaliser they deserved.
Author: James Carroll
