LIVERPOOL Reserves were left to rue missed chances as a late equaliser denied them all three points at Newcastle United on Monday night.

Vincent Weijl put the Reds ahead on the stroke of half time but despite enjoying plenty of second half pressure, they were unable to kill the game off.

Instead, Andy Carroll headed home in injury time to level the scores and keep Liverpool eighth in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

The hosts enjoyed an early chance to take the lead when Sami Ameobi, brother of Newcastle striker Shola, saw his effort saved by Peter Gulacsi.

But the Reds enjoyed more clear-cut chances and both Steven Irwin and Andras Simon came close before Weijl opened the scoring, showing good feet to beat a defender and fire home.

Mark Donninger almost bundled in an equaliser for Newcastle early in the second half but Nabil El Zhar wasted two golden opportunities, twice rounding keeper Steve Harper but failing to get an effort on target.

Gary Ablett’s side were given a boost when Krisztian Nemeth made his return from a 12-week injury absence with 20 minutes remaining.

But the game ended in disappointing fashion when Liverpool gave a free kick away deep in injury time and Carroll headed home.

Liverpool: Peter Gulacsi, Emmanuel Gomis Mendy (Francisco Duran, 66), Emiliano Insua (captain), Mikel San Jose Dominguez, Daniel Ayala, Damien Plessis, Nabil El Zhar, Steven Irwin, Andras Simon (Krisztian Nemeth 70), Daniel Pacheco (Gerardo Bruna 74), Vincent Weijl.

Subs not used: Dean Bouzanis, Andre Wisdom.