JAMES ELLISON curled home a late equaliser to give Liverpool under-18s 1-1 draw with FA Premier Academy League Group C leaders Blackburn Rovers at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday.

Rodolfo Borrell’s side fully deserved their hard-earned and probably more after an encouraging display.

The first half was fairly even with few chances created by either side.

In the second half Liverpool were the dominant side and from Ince’s cross Michael Ngoo headed just over.

Just before the hour-mark substitute Adam Pepper fired in a low shot just off target. But despite their dominance Liverpool went a goal behind with 20 minutes to go as the visitors profited from a rare breakaway.

Liverpool suffered another blow when Michael Roberts was forced off with an injury.

Borrell’s side, though, finally got the reward their efforts deserved just two minutes later when from a quick free-kick from Pepper, Ellison turned and curled home a superb goal in off the post.

Adorjan and Stephen Sama both went close late on as Liverpool pressed for a winner. But in the end they had to settle for a point that leaves them seventh in the table at the end of the first part of the campaign.

Liverpool now have a near month-long break for the Christmas period before returning in the New Year with a tough Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Finch Farm on Saturday, January 9.

They also have an FA Youth Cup fourth round clash with Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium to look forward to in the New Year. The date as yet to be set but the tie must be played before January 16.

LIVERPOOL UNDER 18s: Chamberlain, Flanagan, Robinson (Pepper 65), Sama, McGiveron, Coady, Buchtmann, Roberts (Roddan 75), Ngoo (Ellison 70), Adorjan, Ince. Subs: Ihiekwe, Jacob.