Liverpool under-18s have started the season under their new coach with a convincing 5-1 victory at Stoke, with the son of the club’s academy director on the scoresheet.
Stoke U18s 1-5 Liverpool U18s
U18 Premier League, Clayton Wood Training Ground
August 16, 2025
Goals: Liu 82′; Esdaille 2′, Bradshaw 21′, Sonni-Lambie 60′, Inglethorpe 79′, Phillips OG 86′
Liverpool’s youth ranks underwent notable changes this summer, with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson leaving his post as U18s head coach and Simon Wiles taking his place.
Wiles previously worked with the academies at Man United and Salford City and named a strong starting lineup for his first game in the U18s Premier League with Liverpool.
Kornel Misciur, Josh Sonni-Lambie, Joe Bradshaw – who recently signed his first professional contract – Alvin Ayman and DJ Esdaille were among the starters, with the latter scoring the game’s first goal.
Within two minutes, Bradshaw set up the right-back and by the 21st, he got his name on the scoresheet to make it 2-0 from a free-kick in a strong opening half under Wiles.
HT: Stoke U18s 0-2 Liverpool U18s
Liverpool did not start the second half as quickly as the first, but Sonni-Lambie will take home the award for goal of the day after scoring a stunning lob from the halfway line on 60 minutes.
The 17-year-old striker arrived at under-14 level and signed his first professional contract with the club in February. He is known for his versatility in attack and tireless work rate.
Wiles’ side dominated the match and added their fourth in the 79th minute, with Finn Inglethorpe coming off the bench to score on his U18s debut.
If you recognise the famous last name, Finn is the son of academy director Alex Inglethorpe and is a first-year scholar this season.
Stoke pegged one goal back a few minutes later but an own goal from Sanchez Phillips restored Liverpool’s four-goal lead for an impressive first result under Wiles’ stewardship.
Liverpool U18s: Misciur; Esdaille, Ayman, Clarke, Cisse; Upton, Yeguo, Hickman; Sonni-Lambie, Bradshaw, Forrester
Subs: Bernard, Owen, Lonmeni, Murray-Holme, Inglethorpe
Next match: Burnley (A) – U18 Premier League – Saturday, August 30, 11am