Tuesday night saw Paul Tait’s Everton Under-21 squad get their first competitive action of the season in the **National League Cup** when they traveled just south of Birmingham to take on Solihull Moors. The Midlands outfit compete in the National League, the 5th tier of English football so this was pretty much a case of men versus boys.
The young Blues lined up as pictured below, with the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by the first team. Returning to the line-up after a season-long loan to Salford City was **Francis Okoronkwo** who led the line. **Isaac Heath** and **Justin Clarke** both recently with the first team in the USA training camp, also lined up for some much needed competitive action.
The Toffees were up against it from the very start as Solihull pressed aggressively causing numerous give-aways of the ball by most of our defence and midfield. The Blues seemed to already know about Solihull’s not-so-secret weapon which are the monstrously long 60 yard throw-ins taken by Bradley Nicholson. The trajectory and power in the throws were akin to having to defend a well-hit corner-kick. Time after time **Will Tamen** and **Francis Okoronkwo** got to the ball first to nod away.
Just when we thought one of those “specials” was going to result in a goal it was a more conventional route that gave the Midlanders a 9th minute lead. Fin Holmes was faced with **Odin Samuels-Smith** who might have done better to shepherd the attacker wider of goal but there still seemed little danger until he let fly towards the near post of Blues ‘keeper **George Pickford**. For me, his positioning was a little poor, too central, perhaps because of how early it was in the game. A great strike but definitely preventable and the Blues were up against it, 0-1.
The Blues seemed to have been jolted back to action and a bit of self-belief 10 minutes later as first **Aled Thomas** had a clever header tipped over the bar and, from the resulting corner, **Heath** had a neat backheel clip the crossbar.
Before the half was over there was the first of several great challenges by captain **Will Tamen**, one in the 33rd minute prevented a clear shot on goal. Half-time 0-1.
Before the half had completed, there was more bad luck for our Ghanaian winger **Kingsford Boakye** who appeared to strain his knee ligaments while sprinting for the ball. He’s had terrible luck and looks to be sidelined again although his replacement, **Braiden Graham**, was to have a big say in the game.
The Toffees had definitely grown into the game in the second half, looking better for the raft of substitutions made. **Jacob Beaumont-Clark** had seen a good turn and shot result in a smart save in the 62nd minute before the equaliser came (see video clip below). At first glance I thought there was an element of luck about it, but there were superb intricate skills shown by **Callum Bates’** threaded ball, **George Morgan’**s back-heel**, Okoronkwo**’s through pass and finally **Graham** who beat the stumbling defender to finish neatly, 1-1.
**Jack Patterson** was the driving force behind what turned out to be the 90th minute winner. He started the move, progressed by marauding right back **George Finney** and provided the ball through for **Okoronkwo** to once again slip a sublime pass into **Graham**’s path and his dinked finish was a treat, 2-1. Great goal!
In spite of the lead, the Blues had to withstand more pressure in the five added minutes and the stoic defending was exemplified by the towering presence of **Tamen** and **Finney** who were magnificent on the night.
As a preview of what the new season might look like for the U21s it was a good advertisement.
**Okoronkwo** was sharp and resilient throughout, actually looking even better in his second half #10 role where he provided 2 assists. Substitute **Graham** looked very lively and sharp and took his goals really well. **Tamen**, who did not particularly impress in his brief first team cameo as an out-of-position right back a few weeks ago, was magnificent (and man-of the-match) in his natural centre back position and **Finney** was also hugely impressive goinfg forward and at the back.
There was no sign of **Tyler Onyango, Reece Welch, Roman Dixon, Eli Campbell, Martin Sherif** or **Omari Benjamin** in the squad on Tuesday so it’s safe to assume they may be looking for loans or permanent moves away in the remaining weeks of the transfer window? On tonight’s evidence the team will be OK wihtout them.
I’m looking forward to the next game already which is a Premier League 2 game at home (Walton Hall Park) to **Blackburn Rovers** on Monday August 18th.
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