A superb late equaliser from Omari Benjamin secured Everton's under-21s a point away to Crystal Palace in Premier League 2
Everton youngster Omari Benjamin
Everton youngster Omari Benjamin (Image: (Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images))
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Omari Benjamin was praised by Everton’s head of academy player development Dave Hughes after scoring an outstanding solo effort against Crystal Palace. The Blues under-21s were looking to build on their midweek National League Cup victory over Tamworth when they travelled to the capital to face Palace.
But Hughes’ side fell behind when Seb Williams volleyed the hosts ahead just after the hour mark. However, a fine piece of individual play from Benjamin ensured his side would return home with a point.
Taking the ball from Luis Gardner, the 20-year-old produced a moment of magic by flicking the ball past Sean Somade and after racing onto his own flick, Benjamin, who had already scored twice this season, lifted the ball over the onrushing Lucca Benetton in the Palace goal.
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Tom Davies, who made history in 2018 by becoming the youngest captain in Everton’s history, also featured as a second-half substitute as the club continues to support the midfielder with his fitness while he seeks a contract at another club.
The draw leaves the young Blues 13th in the table, and Hughes reflected: "We felt (we deserved a point at least).
“We had probably four or five really good chances with counters in the final third, and maybe didn’t get our shots away cleanly. They got some excellent blocks in and around the box.
"We definitely felt we didn’t deserve to lose and I'm sure they’d say similar. For the first 15-20 minutes we controlled large parts of the game, in the second half it became more open.
"We showed great character and resilience to stay in the game after going 1-0 down and that’s one thing you’d give the lads credit for – in every game, if we’ve gone behind, we’ve found a way to get back into it. We had a good spell at the end where we maybe could have finished it.”
On his side’s goal, Hughes was quick to praise Benjamin, telling evertonfc.com: "It's a great finish from Omari, outstanding actually, over the keeper, and the turn as well.”
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Before adding: "It's pleasing to have got so many of the Under-18s on. John Dodds started, Malik and Jonathan Nsangou came on, Harry Brookes played – all-in-all it's a very good afternoon.
"A result we definitely warranted and plenty of positives to take. It was great to see Will Tamen step up his time again from Tuesday night as well, we're really pleased for him.
"We're pleased with how the group are going about their work. Performances have been consistent and I feel as though the lads are giving a good account of themselves. We’ve been difficult to play against at times, but of course we can be more so."
Everton under-21s are next in action when they take on Tranmere Rovers in the Jersey Mike's Trophy at Prenton Park on Tuesday, November 24.