Heave-ho.. even if it takes an own goal from Ro
juniors lacked though, was a cutting edge up front, with most of their chances falling to the excellent, hard-running Williams.
This Wales young international has such a huge future in the game but he also has a formidable obstacle in his way in the first team, with Trent AlexanderArnold not much older. Yet he has some of the same attributes, with a dashing confidence down the flank and a delivery to die for, that the likes of Aaron Wan-Bisska at Manchester United would look at enviously.
Three times he charged into the box, and three times he got on the end of chances, the best of which came early in the second half when Harvey Elliott’s ball across the box reached him, only for his controlled shot to be well saved by Max O’Leary in the visiting goal.
Twice more Williams missed the target, but the confidence he showed in getting in there was reflected in the fine, calm ball he delivered that ultimately produced the opening goal that lit up an overjoyed crowd.
He took the ball down with an assured touch from high out of the air, turned on the half-way line, looked up and floated towards Elliott darting into the box. The ball was well judged, and too good for his namesake Williams who, in trying to deal with it, only succeeded in heading over his goalkeeper into the empty net.
It was tough on Shrewsbury, who had defended doggedly and in depth, perhaps in the belief that the kids would tire in the second half – but no chance under Klopp’s regime.
They did have the ball in the net on 59 minutes, when substitute Daniel Udoh crossed from the right, David Edwards saw his shot saved and Shaun Whalley steered in the rebound.
However, Udoh had strayed just offside.