TWO penalties from captain Conor Coady helped Liverpool under-18s earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland at the Kirkby Academy on Friday.

The match was brought forward a day so that several of the Academy side could take part in Jamie Carragher’s testimonial match against an Everton XI at Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool keeper Tyrell Belford brought down Sunderland’s Adam Mitchell and from the spot-kick Nathan Wilson scored.

But soon after Adam Morgan was also brought down by Michael Lamb and Coady stepped up to fire in the equaliser.

Toni Silva was denied by Sunderland keeper Lewis King after a great turn and shot as Liverpool kept pressing for the rest of the half.

Liverpool finally went in front when an excellent run into the area by Sterling was halted when he was brought down by Andy Harrison. Coady again scored from the spot.

Adorjan went close with a header inches over the bar before the break and Morgan was twice denied by two point-blank saves by King after the break. At the other end Belford tipped over superbly.

Despite playing the latter part of the match with 10 men following Adorjan’s sending off for an off-the-ball incident, it looked like Liverpool would claim all three points. But a late Sunderland equaliser forced to settle for a draw.

Liverpool face Derby County at the Kirkby Academy this Saturday (kick-off 12pm).

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Belford, McGiveron, Smith, Sama, Regan, Coady, Silva (Aylmer 85), Roddan, Morgan (Ngoo 60), Adjoran, Sterling. Subs: Stephens, Sumner.