A SECOND-HALF penalty saw Liverpool under-18s beaten for the first time this season as they lost 1-0 at Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Rodolfo Borrell’s side had been unbeaten in their opening five matches in the FA Premeir Academy League this season.

But in a close contest they were just edged out after failing to take their chances.

Michael Roberts couldn’t quite squeeze home Raheem Sterling’s low cross at the near post as the Stoke keeper diverted it wide after initially fumbling it.

Then Adam Morgan fired just wide from 20 yards but Liverpool couldn’t make the breakthrough before the half-time despite just shading it.

Morgan saw another effort well held low down by the Stoke keeper, but there were few chances at either end.

It looked like it was heading for a draw but Stoke claimed the points when converting a 72nd-minute penalty. Liverpool defender Matty Regan was adjudged to have brought down Mitchell, who fired in the spot-kick to secure victory.

Liverpool were disappointed with the result but Borrell said: “It’s always disappointing to lose and this was a very tight game.

“Now we must move on and look to bounce back in our next match at home to Crewe next Saturday.”

Liverpool will look to do better against Crewe Alexandra at the Kirkby Academy this Saturday (kick-off 11am).

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Stephens, Sama, McGiveron, Smith, Regan, Roberts, Coady, Roddan (Sumner 80), Sterling, Walsh (Silva 60), Morgan (Ngoo 60). Subs: Aylmer, Belford.