Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Everton U21s threw away a two-goal lead as Braiden Graham had a mixed evening against Burnley at Finch Farm.
Graham opened up the scoring for Paul Tait’s Everton and Kingsford Boakye doubled the lead for the Toffees in the Premier League 2.
However, Graham gave away a penalty, which allowed Kian McMahon-Brown to bring the visitors back into the game.
A familiar face was spotted on the sidelines as David Moyes’ former set piece coach Charlie Adam barked orders from the Burnley dugout.
The Clarets got exactly what they deserved as Ellis Clark scored a last-gasp equaliser, with Everton’s youngsters left with a lot to improve.
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.
Graham will grab the headlines once again, but not for all the right reasons after his clumsy challenge allowed the visitors back into the game.
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - Premier League 2
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Full-time: Everton 2-2 Burnley
Paul Tait’s face says it all. Everton were so comfortable at 2-0 up and that penalty completely turned the tie.
A lot to improve on for the Young Blues at Finch Farm.
Burnley should be level!
How has McMahon-Brown missed that? He’s missed two huge chances despite scoring his penalty.
The Burnley striker is free inside the box, but sends his header well wide from point blank range.
The referee has pulled his groin…
Minutes remain, but the referee’s race is run. Could just hear him say ‘my groin’ as he walked over to the touchline.
Going to take a few minutes for the fourth official to get his equipment sorted.
Substitution
Off: Ebere
On: Loney
Graham will likely move out wide as U18s striker Ceiran Loney enters the game.
Substitution
Boakye’s goal was his final touch of the game.
OFF: Boakye
On: Pita
GOAL! KINGSFORD BOAKYE!
That should see Everton secure all three points!
Callum Bates picks up the ball and slots in Boakye, who absolutely cannons it beyond the Burnley goalkeeper.
GOAL! BRAIDEN GRAHAM!
What an excellent finish from Braiden Graham! That’s his 13th of the season in the Premier League 2.
Good work from Ebere to feed the ball into Graham, who shift it onto his right foot and curls it into the far corner.
Lukjanciks saves Everton
It is only Douglass Lukjanciks heading into the break with much credit from that first-half.
The 18-year-old has stepped up well to his first Premier League 2 game of the season.
Big improvements needed from Everton
There was a real lack of cutting edge from the Blues in that opening 45 minutes. Burnley enjoyed the best opportunity just before the whistle as Tait was left pining for the break.
It could have been so much worse for the Young Blues, with Francis Gomez extremely lucky not to have been given his marching orders.
Shouts for a Burnley penalty
McMahon-Brown goes down in the box, but it looks like he throws his leg out to make contact.
The forward then sees an effort saved by Lukjanciks.
Gomez removed after lucky escape
Paul Tait is taking no chances as he withdraws Francis Gomez almost immediately.
Off: Gomez
Gomez escapes a red card
Wow, Gomez is one lucky man! Already on a yellow card and the Everton midfielder throws himself into a really poor challenge.
How he hasn’t been sent off is a mystery!
A familiar face in the Burnley dugout
Former Everton coach Charlie Adam has just been spotted barking instructions to the Burnley U21s.
He joined David Moyes’ coaching staff last year, but he didn’t return for this season.
Surely that’s a penalty!
Gomez has been booked for a challenge and his protests after the Everton midfielder is pushed down inside the box. Nothing given from the referee.
No early chanes
Everton have established themselves in the game with the lion’s share of possession.
No early chances have been forged, though.
Braiden Graham starts again
The youngster who everyone at Everton is talking about makes a start up front for Paul Tait.
Graham has scored seven goals in his 12 Premier League 2 appearances this season.
Douglass Lukjanciks earns promotion
Douglass Lukjanciks has been the Everton U18s goalkeeper this season.
However, he has now been promoted to the U21 side following George Pickford’s loan move to Southport.
Everton U21 team news is in!
Everton U21 starting XI to face Burnley in the Premier League 2.
Credit: Getty Images/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto.
Lukjanciks; Samuels-Smith, Thomas, Welch, Van Schoor; Bates, Gomez; Boakye, Akarakiri; Ebere; Graham.
Players to watch out for
Team news should be just around the corner, but Everton News has already made a three-man list of players to keep an eye out for.
Malik Olayiwola, Ray Robert and Reece Welch are all impressing alongside the likes of Braiden Graham, and you can read more about them by clicking the link!
How to watch
Unlike Thursday’s U18s FA Youth Cup clash, this Premier League 2 game will not be open to the public at Finch Farm.
However, official members can watch a live stream via EvertonTV, or you can keep up to date with live updates here at Everton News.