Leke Drake of Manchester City is challenged by Ceiran Loney of Everton during the FA Youth Cup quarter-final at Joie Stadium on March 13, 2026 in Manchester, England(Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Everton produced a spirited display against Manchester City in their FA Youth Cup quarter-final at the Joie Stadium.
But after matching their hosts for almost an hour, the tie hinged on a controversial penalty decision that led to [Everton](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/everton-fc) ultimately being well-beaten after being reduced to 10 men.
Ademide Akarakiri clearly won the ball from Floyd Samba but referee Richie Watkins pointed to the spot with the same City player converting from 12 yards.
Malik Olayiwola was sent off, seemingly for dissent, soon afterwards, and with the hosts now enjoying a numerical advantage, they took charge with Reigan Heskey – son of Emile – adding a second goal before putting the third on a plate for substitute Teddy Lamb.
**Douglas Lukjanciks 8**
Produced a series of smart saves to keep Everton in the contest, including a low one to deny Heskey at the near post but was sent the wrong way by Samba from the penalty spot when diving left only for the Man City player to roll the ball to his right.
**Rocco Lambert 5**
Shot wide when corner from Olaylwola was only half cleared, he tried to get forwards at times, even though he was up against the dangerous Heskey who finally got his breakthrough by netting the second goal before setting up the third for sub Lamb.
**Louis Poland 5**
Overlapped well when the score was still goalless and attempted a shot from a tight angle at near post, but like the rest of the defence, had a tough finish to the game.
**Lewis Evans 5**
Kept things together at the back for long periods, but the floodgates finally opened after the sending off.
**Harlow McEveley 5**
Went close with a header from a corner which was tipped over the bar by Max Hudson before getting overran in the latter stages.
**Melvin Matos 6**
Energetic display, cutting out a Heskey cross with a well-timed interception, he was a busy figure in the engine room.
**Shea Pita 6**
Combined well with Olayiwola to put in low cross for Loney and while things didn’t always come off for him, he kept battling on the right wing.
**Ademide Akarakiri 6**
Some nice touches but found himself in the game-changing moment when referee Watkins awarded City a penalty following his challenge on Samba, despite winning the ball.
**Cerian Loney 6**
Led the line in robust fashion but only had one chance of note when he shot wide with a first-time effort from Pita’s low cross and was booked early in the second half for pulling back Leke Drake before making way.
**Malik Olayiwola 4**
Was one of Everton’s most creative outlets in the first half and at the hub of most of their attacking forays, picking out Braiden Graham for chance, having a low drive himself and starting the move for Loney’s attempt, but was then shown a straight red card for seemingly speaking out of turn shortly after Man City went ahead.
**Braiden Graham 6**
A few silky touches but this was not his night, after falling awkwardly early on when challenging Samba, he recovered to have a deflected shot over the bar, but goal number 32 of the season was not forthcoming.
**SUBS**
**Ray Robert (on 61 for Loney) 6**
Brought on as Everton sought a reaction to going a goal down but instead they found themselves down to 10 men and he was mostly left chasing shadows.
**Freddie Murdock (on 70 for Matos) 6**
Introduced in difficult circumstances, he provided some fresh legs.
**Jonathan Nsangou (on 80 for Pita)**
Late introduction to save legs with the tie lost.
**Jake Doughty (on 80 for Graham)**
Ditto.
**Kean Wren (on 85 for Akarakiri)**
Latter stages cameo.