Report: Liverpool U23s 1 Swans U23s 3

Swansea City Under-23s claimed their third successive Premier League 2 victory after defeating league leaders Liverpool 3-1 at LFC Academy.

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Jordan Garrick netted his third of the season before Oli McBurnie scored his 10th PL2 goal of the campaign.

George Byers was on target in the second half before Cameron Brannagan pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with the Swans reduced to 10 men when Aaron Lewis was shown a second yellow card.

The young Swans made eight changes to the side that defeated Colchester United 5-1 in the Premier League Cup last week, with Jack Evans, Jay Fulton and McBurnie the only players to survive the shake-up.

Swansea raced out of the blocks and almost lead inside the opening minutes as Garrick sped down the wing before creating chances for Adam King and  McBurnie.

However, the young Swans did lead after a quarter of an hour as Byers’ pass released Garrick into the box and he fired beyond Kamil Grabara.

The U23s almost doubled their advantage through King’s snap-shot at goal before McBurnie’s header forced an acrobatic save from Liverpool’s keeper to deny Swansea a second.

However, Swansea did extend their lead five minutes before the break as a fast counter-attack ended with McBurni firing home his tenth PL2 goal of the season from inside the box following Byers' cross.

The visitors continued their fine form in the second half and extended their advantage 30 seconds after the restart as Byers took advantage after Grabara dropped a cross to stab home from close range.

Liverpool looked beaten but the home side almost pulled a goal back as winger Bobby Adekanye’s cross found Rhian Brewster in the area, only for the striker’s effort to roll inches wide of the post.

The league leaders continued to pressurise as Harry Wilson’s free-kick cannoned off the crossbar before Liverpool were awarded a penalty just the hour mark, which Brannagan converted from 12 yards.

Substitute Daniel James almost restored the Swans' three-goal advantage before they were reduced to ten men when Lewis was shown a second yellow card.

Herbie Kane’s shot was then well saved by Gregor Zabret as Liverpool desperately tried to take advantage of the extra man before James' powerful shot was once again kept out by Grabara before the final whistle.

Victory lifts the young Swans to fifth in the division one table, with Athletic Bilbao up next at Landore on Wednesday, December 20 (7pm) in the Premier League International Cup.

Liverpool U23s: Kamil Grabara, Matty Virtue, George Johnstone (Juanma, 63), Lloyd Jones, Corey Whelen (capt), Cameron Brannagan, Harry Wilson, Herbie Kane, Rhian Brewster, Ovie Ejaria, Bobby Adekanye (Paulo Alves, 72)

Subs not used: Andy Firth, Mich'el Parker.

Swans U23s: Gregor Zabret, Tyler Reid, Aaron Lewis, Jack Evans, Cian Harries, Joe Rodon (capt), Jordon Garrick, Jay Fulton, Oli McBurnie, George Byers (Adnan Marić, 87), Adam King (Daniel James, 61).

Subs not used: Lewis Thomas, Jack Bainbridge, Ryan Blair.