Simon Rusk expects Albion under-23s to learn some lessons from their goal feast against Liverpool.

But he was pleased to see a spirited reaction from his particularly young side before they went down 5-3 at home in Premier League 2.

Albion were 4-0 down in the second half but scored through sub Bojan Radulovic, with two, and Danny Cashman.

Liverpool pressed effectively and played some super stuff at times with Brighton boy Isaac Christie-Davies prominent in midfield.

They also had the help of a generous eighth-minute penalty, won and converted by Harvey Elliott, to send them on their way.

Albion boss Rusk said: “We are disappointed to concede five goals at home and the penalty changes the game at the start.

“It’s a strong Liverpool side and we are missing quite a few players through injury and illness.

“Their fourth goal was offside so we are disappointed but the bottom line is the better team won on the day.

“I’m pleased we managed to hang in and score three goals.

“There is lots to reflect on. You have to have these difficult games.

“That is where you do your learning where you grow.”.

Elliott, who has played twice for Liverpool seniors in this season’s Carabao Cup, opened the scoring from the spot after Peter Gwargis seemed to have nicked the ball away from him cleanly just inside the home penalty area.

Christie-Davies, who has found his way to Merseyside via Chelsea, added a sweetly struck second and his precise cross was headed home by Luis Longstaff just before the break.

Albion sent on player/coach Andrew Crofts just ahead of the defence to add experience.

But Liverpool skipper Curtis Jones calmly made it four, although the hosts thought he was offside as Christie-Davies slid him through.

Albion had more presence up front when they sent on Radulovic to support Cashman.

Antef Tsoungui’s low cross from the right was tucked away by Radulovic and Cashman added a composed finish to get Albion back to 4-2.

Jones hit Liverpool’s very late fifth at the second attempt after Tom McGill did well to block his firsdt effort.

There was still time for Radulovic to add his second, again from excellent delivery by Tsoungui.

Albion: McGill; Yapi (Freestone 72), Tsoungui, O’Hora, J. Davies; Richards, Jenks, Leonard (Radulovic 70), Gwargis; Wilson (Crofts 46), Cashman.