Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Key points
Everton U18s have secured their spot in the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup after sealing victory in extra-time against Ipswich Town.
Keith Southern’s Everton side were made to work for their spot in the final eight, with the exciting prospect, Braiden Graham, shining under the lights.
It was the first-ever competitive youth game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as the young Blues showed the senior side how it was done.
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Having taken an early lead through Shea Pita, Everton found themselves trailing at the break.
A sensational strike from Graham in the final seconds of the 90 minutes sent the game to extra time.
Ray Robert was the man to seal the victory before an own goal eased the nerves in the final minutes.
Everton v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
That wraps up tonight’s coverage of the action at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but keep your eyes peeled on Everton News for more reaction from tonight’s game.
Don’t forget to get involved over on TalkingPoints where you can share your thoughts with thousands of other fans.
OWN GOAL! EVERTON SURELY CLINCH VICTORY
You won’t see many own goals like this. The Ipswich goalkeeper runs out of his area to head away a long ball, but he heads it against his own man as the ball pings into the empty net.
Can Everton hang on?
What a game we have been treated to tonight. Braiden Graham has really turned it on in the latter stages of this game and his quality has shone through to potentially send Everton to the next round.
Free-kick Everton
The Super Bowl may have been on Sunday, but an Ipswich defender has just been penalised for a horse collar-style foul.
Free kick comes to nothing, though.
Extra time is now underway
Everton have the wind in their sails now as 30 more minutes lies ahead at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton substitution
ON: Charlie Stewart
Off: Rocco Lambert
A really good showing from the Everton right-back.
Yellow card for Braiden Graham
It’s not been his night so far and Graham has just picked up a yellow for arguing with the referee.
Everton struggling to get a hold on the game
It’s not been the electric start that we saw in the first half. Everton must step things up!
Will Keith Southern make changes?
Not long until we’re back underway and it will be interesting to see whether any changes are made.
Expect Southern to keep it the same for another 10 minutes.
Half-time: Everton 1-2 Ipswich
It’s half time here at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton took the lead early on, but quickly conceded and Ipswich have crept in front.
The Blues remain well in this tie, but they are going to need to find that finishing touch to turn things around.
Everton pushing but Ipswich are comfortable
The young Blues are pushing for an equaliser of their own, but the visitors remain fairly comfortable.
Southern will have some stern words to say at the break. Around five minutes remaining.
1-1 Ipswich equalise
Just two minutes later and Ipswich have found an instant response.
Keith Southern on the Hill Dickinson Stadium
🗣️ “Certainly played in worse [stadia] I can tell you that!”
“Really looking forward to it. It’s an exciting tie for these boys and the staff.”
Douglass Lukjanciks keeps the armband
After becoming the hero in the previous round, Lukjanciks retains the captain’s armband.
Lukjanciks made three saves in the penalty shootout against West Ham United to send the Blues through to tonight’s game.
Everton U18s XI
Lukjanciks; Lambert, Poland, Evans, McEveley; Matos, Pita, Akarakiri; Loney, Nsangou, Graham.
Who is Braiden Graham?
He’s the youngster on everyone’s lips on Merseyside. Braiden Graham is quickly catching the attention of the senior coaches at Everton.
The youngster has already scored three goals in his two appearances in the FA Youth Cup this season.
Graham has also been called up to first team training this season after netting seven goals in the Premier League 2.
You can find out more in our recent article on who is Braiden Graham?
How to watch
Everton’s U18s face Ipswich Town at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and fans that are not attending can watch through EvertonTV.
We have a guide of how to watch Everton U18s vs Ipswich, click the link to find out more.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 7pm GMT. Live from the new state-of-the-art home on the Liverpool docks.