LIAM Cullen made a first appearance in the top flight of Premier League 2 football last night, but was powerless to stop Swansea Under 23s going down 2-0 to Liverpool at Landore.

With each side allowed to field three players over 23, Liverpool opted to field striker Danny Ings as he continues his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury.

And after being denied early on by a great save from Swansea keeper Gregor Zabret, it was the striker who fired the visitors ahead nine minutes in with a sharp half volley from Yan Dhanda's knock down.

The Reds had a host of further chances, but found Zabret in inspired form.

But they did deservedly double the lead with 25 minutes left, as Dhanda latched onto a superb through ball from Matthew Virtue and fired home.

With five minutes of normal time left 18-year-old Cullen, who scored 22 goals in all competitions at academy level last season, replaced Ryan Blair.

It was the Kilgetty man's first appearance since signing a new two year deal with the club last month.

And although he had little chance to influence the outcome last night, the former Greenhill School pupil will hope his taste of Premier League 2 action is a sign of things to come - with the Swansea youngsters travelling to Leigh Sports Village to face Manchester United in their next league game on Monday, August 21st.