Liverpool 4, Wolves 2

Wolves put in an impressive display against a strong Liverpool team but were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead and ultimately fell to defeat.

The Academy side certainly shocked their hosts - who included four first-year professionals in the team and were in search of their fifth consecutive win - in the early part of the game.

James Davis fired over in the first minute but Wolves got just rewards for their strong start when Danny Batth won a header from David Davis's corner and Fungandel Moke made no mistake from six yards out.

Things got even better in the 16^th minute as Wolves went further in front, Sam Winnall, pictured, going past a defender and firing superbly into the net from 25 yards out.

And shortly afterwards Wolves went agonisingly close to number three only for Nathanial Mendez-Laing's close range effort to come back off the crossbar.

That seemed to spark Liverpool into life and on 25 minutes they found a way back into the game as Lauri Dalla Valle marked his signing of a professional contract the previous week with a fine finish from just inside the area.

Then shortly before the break Liverpool equalised, Tom Ince and Dalla Valle both involved before Astrit Ajdarevic thundered home a shot to level the scores.

There was a more even start to the second period with both sides producing chances, Kyle Bennett firing over for Wolves after exchanging passes with Winnall.

But with seven minutes remaining Liverpool struck a decisive blow as James Ellison produced a sensational strike into the top corner.

Wolves then powered forward in the hope of snatching an equaliser but that left things open at the back and Marvin Pourie gave the scoreline a more flattering look with an injury time fourth.

"It was a shame we couldn't have got that third goal because then the game could have been very different," said Academy coach John Perkins.

"But I have to say for 70-75 minutes I was very pleased with the performance and it was only the last 15 to 20 which was disappointing.

"Overall we were up against a very strong team but the lads adapted very well to put in a positive performance."

And of course John's team were shorn of two of its most established figures with Ashley Hemmings and Scott Malone having travelled with the first team to Swansea.

"That was probably the best news of the day with the two of them travelling with the first team and Ashley getting on the bench," added John.

"Although it meant we missed them in our match it was great for both of them to have a taste of what it's like with the first team."