The week at senior level was another one to forget unfortunately but, in amongst the three Everton youth games played last week, there was a rather pleasing result for Leighton Baines’ team.
There’s nothing better than to get one over your fierce city rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby and the manner in which it was achieved made it even more special.
On Saturday, trailing 1-2 as the game entered a generous period of added time at Finch Farm, the youngsters showed the true meaning of the “r word” (resilience) as they swept the Reds aside with 2 late goals to claim all 3 points and bragging rights for the blue half of the city.
The opening goal came as Everton were unable to clear after a period of early pressure and Bradshaw scored with a looping header in the 9th minute, 0-1.
The Toffees’ goal-scoring machine, Braiden Graham, levelled the contest in the 20th minute, perfectly controlling a left wing cross by Joel Catesby and firing home, 1-1. That’s Graham’s 9th goal in 10 games, by the way!
The Reds’ tricky #7 Bradshaw scored a fine individual goal in the 34th minute although Blues’ ‘keeper Douglass Lukjanciks will have been disappointed to be beaten at his near post. 1-2, and that’s the way the score stayed until added time at 90 minutes when George Morgan leapt high and delightfully steered a downward header into the net, 2-2 and the most pleasing thing was the way the team raced back to the centre circle to restart the game, no doubt sensing blood.
The Toffees were proved justified their enthusiasm when, with seconds remaining, Morgan chased a long ball towards the opposition penalty area, forcing a hurried defensive backpass. The Reds’ ‘keeper, knowing he couldn’t handle it, made a hash of his clearance putting his defence under pressure from Blues’ substitute Ceiran Loney. The ball fell invitingly for fellow substitute, Kean Wren, to keep his composure and steer the ball home. 3-2 and a great comeback!
Earlier in the weekend, the Under 21s had lost 2-4 to Nottingham Forest though the loss was mitigated somewhat with the very welcome inclusion of two senior squad strikers, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti (pictured below before the game). They even played up front together in that 4-4-2 formation that Sean Dyche favours so there is reason to be hopeful that greater firepower will be on the way to the seniors! Indeed, it was Broja’s second outing of the week for Paul Tait’s team and, although he was unable to open his Everton account, he showed some impressive touches.
The Blues surprisingly found themselves 4 goals down before centre midfielder Luke Butterfield (see below) got his second goal of the season after Chermiti’s shot was only parried by the visiting goalkeeper, 1-4.
It was all a bit unlikely for a full comeback but Charlie Whitaker (see below) was on the spot to smash in the rebound after Broja’s shot was saved, 2-4, and that’s how it stayed. It was Whitaker’s 8th goal of an impressive season for him!
Earlier in the week, the Under 21s had fallen to a 0-1 defeat in the Premier League Cup. The highlight was the first half appearance of Broja for the first time in the blue of Everton. The lowlight, aside from the scoreline, was the harsh sending off of Broja’s fellow senior, Nathan Patterson. The young Scot did kick the ball away after conceding a free kick but it was hardly as if he launched it 50 yards. The unfortunate and embarrassing ensuing scenes of remonstration by the Hornets youngsters along with a card-happy referee made the dismissal a certainty.
Next up is a long trip for the Under 18s at Sunderland on Thursday December 5th, while the Under 21s, no doubt without any senior players involved, will be hosting Ipswich in the Premier League Cup the following day.