Liverpool U21 player ratings as goalkeeper's heroics secures EFL Trophy success

Liverpool's U21s League One side in the team's final Bristol Street Motors Trophy (EFL Trophy) group match.

fought hard for a well-deserved goalless draw, with goalkeeper Harvey Davies saving twice in the shootout to clinch an 8-7 triumph on penalties. This draw marks only the fourth time in 18 games in the competition that has avoided defeat after 90 minutes, although it wasn't enough to prevent them from being knocked out. Here are the player ratings from the game...

Harvey Davies gets a 9 for his early high ball claims and comfort with the ball at his feet, as well as his second-half saves from Beesley and Bondo. He was the hero of the penalty shootout.

Lucas Pitt, the 18-year-old right-back, earns a 7 for his quiet confidence on his first start in the competition and his resilience against the more physical Blackpool attack. Jay Spearing, the veteran midfielder, also scores a 7 for his role as center-back, clearing off the line in the first half and only being caught out once by the Blackpool attack.

Lee Jonas receives a 6 for his composed defending, despite one mishit clearance. James Norris is awarded a 7 for his solid defence on the left flank and his willingness to support both the midfield and forward wing whenever possible.

Tyler Morton gets a 6. It took a bit of time for him to find his footing, but he eventually made his presence felt in the midfield. He had one shot that went wide in the first half. His influence waned after the break as Blackpool upped its game. Dominic Corness put in a solid performance with a rating of 6. He linked up play well in the midfield and showed strength in his tackles. However, he was the only Liverpool player to miss in the shoot-out.

Kyle Kelly struggled to make an impact in the first half and missed a shot after the interval. Despite this, he never stopped working and was substituted later on. He gets a 6. Tom Hill, the captain, had a few off-target attempts but was consistently denied by Blackpool's goalkeeper. He posed a threat whenever he found space to break into. He gets a 7.

Tommy Pilling showed great effort down the left wing and had good synergy with Norris at times, earning him a 7. He demonstrated quality ball control. Oakley Cannonier was denied a spectacular goal by a questionable offside call in the opening quarter. He didn't receive much service otherwise and was substituted later on, earning him a 6.

Keyrol Figueroa came on for Cannonier in the 71st minute and was denied a goal by Blackpool's goalkeeper when he was through on goal. He gets a 6. This came after he scored against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Youth League the previous day.

Oliver O'Connor came on for Kelly in the 85th minute, giving the teenager some valuable minutes on the pitch. Luca Furnell-Gill also came on in the 85th minute, replacing Spearing. He filled in well for the injured veteran. Neither of them receive a rating due to their lack of minutes.