Liverpool forward sends Everton reminder as Newcastle United signing strikes

Harvey Blair sent another reminder of his potential as Liverpool earned an impressive mini-derby victory over Everton.

Blair scored twice as the Reds secured a 3-1 win at Finch Farm in their U18 Premier League North clash on Saturday.

Bobby Clark also found the target as Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side strengthened their grip on second place and now stand five points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.

Blair, an 18-year-old winger who made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup win at Preston North End in October, has three goals and two assists in his last three outings having returned from injury.

He gave Liverpool the perfect start by firing home a low drive after only six minutes, only for Everton to strike back five minutes later when Martin Sherif headed in after good work by Jenson Metcalfe down the right flank.

But the Reds wrested control of the match with two goals shortly before half-time.

The first, on 38 minutes, saw Blair regain the lead for Liverpool with his second goal, finishing well after Isaac Mabaya had won the ball back from the Everton defence.

And in stoppage time, Clark - signed from Newcastle United last summer - capitalised on another mistake in the home rearguard, intercepting a pass from Everton skipper Elijah Campbell and playing a one-two with James McConnell before finishing.

The Reds had chances to extend their lead in the second half, although it was Everton who came closest to scoring again when Emilio Lawrence struck the post.

Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday when an U19 side takes on Genk at Kirkby in their UEFA Youth League round of 16 tie.

Davies; Davidson, Jonas, Miles, Sacnlon; Mabaya, Pilling, McConnell; Blair (Cannonier 70), Roberts (Frauendorf 63),