David Amoo’s strike gave Liverpool under-18s a winning return to league action after their FA Youth Cup exploits.
The London-born winger scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool won 1-0 at Barnsley on Saturday.
It was their first FA Premier Academy League fixture for four weeks as they look to finish third in the North West section to provide a boost ahead of the two-legged Youth Cup final with Arsenal at the end of the month in a two-legged final.
Liverpool had numerous chances, but it was Amoo’s effort, firing in from a tight angle on the right just before half-time gave them all three points.
Amoo had another chance himself to score, while Lauri Dalla Valle and Tom Ince both went close to increasing the lead before the break. Dalla Valle, Ince, Alex Cooper and Michael Roberts all went close after the break but in the end Amoo’s effort was enough to take the points.
McAuley said: “It was a really pleasing performance in many ways. It was not the most exciting game on a bone- hard pitch. They weren’t the best playing conditions but at the same time the boys showed a tremendous attitude for the 90 minutes against a Barnsley side, who you know are going to be physical, strong and get the ball forward.
We had to battle for 90 minutes, which we did do. We got a goal just before half-time through David Amoo on an individual run and it could have been four by half- time. Then in the second half we had more chances, but didn’t take them. The boys were fantastic with their attitude and with four or five schoolboys in the side it was a pleasing result. That winning mentality was there throughout. We played our football when we could and the attitude was first- class from first to last.”
With three matches left in the league, Liverpool travel to Sunderland this Saturday and will look to move a step close to finishing third.
Liverpool have the same points as fourth-placed Everton and are three points behind third-placed West Bromwich Albion, who have both played all their fixtures. A win and a draw from their final three matches would see Liverpool secure that third spot.
McAuley said: “People are naturally going to be thinking about the Youth Cup at the end of the month. But it is always the way at our football club that the next game is the most important.
“We stress that to the boys and we will get to the Youth Cup eventually, but it is always at the back of their minds. But as long as it stays there they will be fine.
“We want to keep the mentality right and buoyant for the game. There is lots to build on for the rest of the month.We have been near the top of the table all season. In March and April we started playing the youngsters because we had to with injuries and so on. We blooded the youngsters and results were a little indifferent with a few draws, but now these kids are holding their own.
“The good thing is that there are four or five of the Youth team not available and the schoolboys have come in to take their chances very well. That bodes well for next season. It is about development and eventually getting them up to a good standard and that is happening.”
Midfielder Adam Pepper will definitely miss the Youth Cup final against Arsenal with a ruptured groin.
McAuley said: “It is unfortunate. Adam has played in all the Youth Cup games and is a very good midfield player. He is tidy, busy and it means us altering the team slightly to accommodate another player and we will do that. But we are going to miss Adam because he is infectious. He is a local player and knows what it means to play for Liverpool and that is what we are all about.”
Striker Dalla Valle is away on international duty with Finland in a UEFA European Championship qualifying tournament, while Amoo along with Steve Irwin, Dean Bouzanis and Daniel Ayala are all away with the reserves for their friendly with Ajax on Friday.
Nathan Eccleston is making progress after a virus and may be able to return this week, while Alex Kacaniklic could also be back after a slight hamstring strain.
