By Middlesbrough FC

Boro Under-21s picked up a terrific win at Liverpool on Sunday.

A 23rd minute own goal proved decisive, but the three points were just rewards for a dogged performance by Mark Tinkler's young charges.

Liverpool U21: Davies, Mabaya, Pinnington, Nallo, Jonas, McConnell, Nyoni, Koné-Doherty, Morrison, Ngumoha (Pilling 87'), Young (Figueroa 75')

Subs: Figueroa, Misciur, Pilling, Spearing, Laffey

Middlesbrough U21: Connor, Woolston, McCormick, Samuels, Dede (Palmer 52'), McCabe, Johnson, Stott, Acheampong, Nkrumah (Willis 77'), Coulson (Patterson-Powell 72')

Subs: Lennon, Patterson-Powell, Willis, Palmer, Fisher

Shea Connor was the first of the two goalkeepers to be called into action when he saved from Trent Kone-Doherty, but moments later Boro were ahead when Amaro Nill put through his own goal.

Law McCabe and Jack Stott both had attempts to double the advantage while Oliver Samuels headed wide following a corner.

Rio Ngumoha was a threat for the hosts and he went close on more than one occasion, but Boro finished the half well and both McCabe and Luke Woolston were denied by good defensive blocks.

54%

Possession

46%
21

Shots

6
7

Shots On Target

1
5

Corners

2
7

Fouls

12

4

0

Cards

3

0

Stott went close early in the second period, and Boro were dealt a blow when January signing Josh Dede was forced off through injury on 50 minutes.

It was a stop-start half with a number of players from both sides receiving treatment, and the home side had the better of proceedings.

Liverpool racked up a number of attempts to get themselves back in the game, but Boro were resilient and held on to claim an impressive victory.