Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Key points
Braiden Graham scored twice as Everton U21s beat Watford 3-2 in their play-off clash.
Paul Tait’s Young Blues were on the verge of a penalty shootout before Graham scored a sensational diving header.
That is now six goals in two games for the 18-year-old as he sent a clear message to David Moyes following his comments during the Everton press conference earlier.
Everton went two goals up, but then conceded twice in regular time, before securing a stunning win in the final minutes of extra time.
TalkingPoints user on Braiden Graham.
TalkingPoints user on Braiden Graham.
The Toffees will now head into the next round, with the play-off tournament victory keeping their season alive.
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - Premier League 2
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Another U21s game to remember
They certainly don’t make it easy for themselves! What a night of football and Walton Hall Park for Tait’s men.
Shea Pita was excellent, but Graham shows yet again why he is knocking on David Moyes’ door.
Benjamin again
It’s that man again, but it is unfortunately the same outcome. Omari Benjamin works some space and takes aim from outside the box, but it goes wide.
Graham goes close
A brilliant jink from Graham before forcing the goalkeeper into a save. It was Iliman Ndiaye-esque.
Harvey Foster fortunate not to see red
Already on a yellow card, Foster has mistakingly picked the ball up thinking it had gone out of play. Would have been harsh, but still…
Half-time: Everton 2-1 Watford
That was the very final kick of the half. No idea what Olayiwola was thinking there.
All he had to do was head away what was a poor corner, but instead he’s allowed the ball to go straight through and into the path of the Watford player.
Watford coaches having a good whinge
These Watford coaches certainly know how to whinge. They have been non-stop at the officials. They’ve been complaining about a possible foul throw for well over a minute.
Yellow for Harvey Foster
Not a great pass into Harvey Foster, but the 19-year-old turns into trouble and is forced to bring his man down. A yellow card all day long.
2-0 EVERTON! OWN GOAL
A Watford defender has just smashed the ball back to his goalkeeper from about 40 yards out, but the keeper is nowhere to be seen.
A bizarre goal that Everton will happily take.
Graham does it again
That’s five goals in 110 minutes of football for Graham. He’s been pretty isolated up front, but he’s taken the first opportunity he has had.
He’s worked this so, so well. Peeled away from his defender and then the touch, the finish… wow!
Benjamin forces a comfortable save
Everton’s first real possession in the Watford half and Omari Benjamin forces an easy save for the goalkeeper.
Tait does not sound overly happy on the sideline.
10 minutes until kick-off
Go get the kettle on and settle in as Everton News brings you live updates from Walton Hall Park.
George Pickford back between the sticks
Having spent some time away on loan with Southport, George Pickford is back in goal for Everton.
The 19-year-old was also in goal for last week’s game against Ipswich.
Keep an eye on Shea Pita
Braiden Graham may well be the man of the moment, but 16-year-old Shea Pita is also in hot form.
He has scored once and provided an assist in his last two games for the U21s.
What David Moyes said about Braiden Graham today
“Everybody wants good young players to come through, and I am pleased that Braiden is doing really well,” Moyes told the media.
“I think he has got a bit to go before he is at our level, but I am really pleased; if he does that, then he will get more noticed.”
David Moyes looks on during a Premier League clash between Manchester United and Everton
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Braiden Graham makes the starting XI
Everton will be without Beto for the West Ham trip on Saturday, which had some speculating over a potential senior call-up for Graham.
However, he is playing for the U21s tonight instead.
Everton U21s starting XI vs Watford
Here is your Young Blues side for tonight’s game at Walton Hall Park…
Braids Graham of Everton U21 celebrates after scoring the team's second goal with teammates during the Premier League 2 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto
Everton U21s miss out on Premier League international Cup
Everton U21s have missed out on a top 16 finish, which will mean Paul Tait’s side will not compete in next season’s Premier League International Cup.
The Young Blues were recently eliminated from the competition against Borussia Dortmund’s youth side.
How to watch Everton U21s vs Watford
Everton U21s vs Watford will be held at Walton Hall Park, with fans able attend the game in person.
However, click here to find out how you can watch the game from the comfort of your home.