Liverpool move step closer to another trophy as young stars shine in 3-0 win

Liverpool are through to the semi-finals of the Lancashire Senior Cup after a convincing victory over Preston North End.

Facing off at the Lilywhites’ Euxton training ground base, goals from Fidel O’Rourke, Tom Clayton and Jack Bearne saw the young Reds run out 3-0 winners to set up a final four meeting with Blackpool.

Barry Lewtas named Conor Bradley, Rhys Williams and Leighton Clarkson in his starting XI for the clash with Preston, who themselves included senior players Paul Huntington, Conor Ripley, Sean Maguire and Josh Murphy.

But they were no match for Liverpool who controlled proceedings in blustery conditions from start to finish to progress in the competition.

Bradley nearly opened the scoring for the Reds early on after sneaking in at the far post, only to see his close-range half-volley kept out by Ripley.

But Liverpool were able to take advantage of that space at the back post midway through the half as O’Rourke lost his marker to sidefoot home a Clayton free-kick.

Murphy had a glorious chance to level the scores for Preston after racing onto a long ball forward, only to hit the outside of the post when one-on-one, with North End left to rue the missed opportunity with it being a rare sight of goal for the hosts.

Provider turned goalscorer for Liverpool soon after to really punish the Lilywhites as Clayton found space at the far post to head home a superb cross from Bradley, giving his side a comfortable lead at the break in the process.

Substitute Aaron Bennett saw an effort blocked from a North End corner soon after the restart, before the Reds wrestled back control of proceedings and went in search of a third.

Bradley went close again for Liverpool following clever play from Jack Bearne, trying his luck