Liam Millar netted twice as Liverpool U21s lost 4-2 at Port Vale in their final group game in the EFL Trophy at Vale Park on Tuesday evening.
With qualification from the group stage not possible following defeats to Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers in their opening two games in the competition, Barry Lewtas’ side were hoping for an encouraging display at Vale Park in the newly-renamed Papa John's Trophy.
Paul Glatzel made his first start of the season and played for an hour while Billy Koumetio also started and Joe Hardy made his return from injury.
Millar scored two brilliant goals as the young Reds gave a good account of themselves, but they were punished for some defensive lapses against their more experienced opponents.