The Academy under 18s gained a narrow, but fine victory over Liverpool when the sides met at Compton Park at the weekend.

The game was decided with 15 minutes remaining when Kyle Bennett kept his nerve to slot home a rebound.

Coach John Perkins said: "We played Liverpool on Saturday with four schoolboys in our side and I'm delighted to say that we came out on top thanks to a neat finish from Kyle Bennett.

"In fact Kyle was one of only two second year players to take part in the game - the other being Danny Batth.

"Liverpool are semi-finalists in the FA Youth Cup this season and we more than matched them in the first-half although there were very few chances created by either side.

"Jack Price, one of our schoolboys, was outstanding in midfield.

"After the interval, with the wind at our backs, we were much the better side and we dominated the game for long spells.

"In the 75^th minute we capitalised on a defensive error and when Kristzian Simon's shot had been parried by the Liverpool keeper, Kyle latched onto the loose ball and put it into the corner of the net from 12-yards.

"We had a couple of half chances to increase our lead before the end but we were well worth our victory.

"It was a great performance and result and now we face another test this coming Saturday when we travel to Manchester United."

Pictured: Kyle Bennett in action against Liverpool. (courtesy of Faulkvalley Photography).