Derby County’s Under-23s were unable to build on a positive first-half showing as they tasted a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool in Premier League 2 – Division 1 on Saturday.

Derby took the lead after 33 minutes as striker Jack Stretton netted his third goal of the campaign at Under-23 level, following his two-goal haul in the 3-1 home win over West Ham United in September.

Billy Koumetio got the home side back level five minutes before the hour mark after being set up by Conor Bradley.

The game was then turned on its head on 63 minutes as Max Woltman hit the net with Bradley once again the provider.

Elijah Dixon-Bonner netted Liverpool’s third goal with nine minutes remaining after being teed up by Woltman.

The Under-23s’ next Premier League 2 - Division 1 fixture will see them host Blackburn Rovers at Loughborough University Stadium on Friday 5th November (7pm kick-off).

Liverpool Under-23s: Hughes (GK), Quansah, Gallacher, Boyes, Koumetio, Clayton, Bradley (Norris 89), Dixon-Bonner, Woltman (Balagizi 90), Bearne, Beck.

Substitutes Not Used: Kelly (GK), Wilson.

Derby County Under-23s: Foulkes (GK), McDonald, R Hutchinson (Ebiowei 71), Clarke, Bardell, Cashin (C), I Hutchinson, Williams, Stretton, Dixon, Aghatise.

Substitutes Not Used: Grewal-Pollard, Plange, Matthews.