U21s register a draw at St Mirren

, 4 November, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
Chris Long and Hallam Hope were both on target as Everton Under-21s played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with St Mirren in the first of two freindlies in Scotland on Monday.

With just one domestic fixture scheduled for November — a trip to Middlesbrough in the third round of the inaugural Under-21s Cup on Monday 18 November — the players have travelled north of the border to maintain the fitness levels that have helped the young Blues embark on a five-match unbeaten run in the U21 Premier League.

Monday's match, played at the Saints' training ground, was a topsy-turvy affair which saw Everton overturn a first-half deficit and then concede a late equaliser just two minutes from the end.

John Lundstram struck the post and Long nodded over prior to St Mirren's opening goal on 35 minutes — a header from Adam Brown that looped up and over helpless goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe..

After the break, Hallam Hope saw his goalbound effort blocked, then Chris Long levelled the scores with a scrappy goal 10 minutes following the restart. The England youth international was in the right place to convert from close range, although the home side felt that the goal should have been ruled out for handball.

Hope and Lundstram went close from distance, Browning headed wide and Long almost grabbed a second when his shot from just inside the area was charged down.

But the Blues deservedly went ahead in the 80th minute with a well-taken goal from Hope. A cross from the left found its way to the in-form striker, who brought the ball down on his chest and prodded into the bottom corner from eight-yards out.

Hope's effort seemed to have secured the win for Everton - but they were stung just two minutes before the final whistle when right-back Ben McLaughlin was adjudged to have tripped Lewis Morgan inside the area. John Seullion stepped up from 12 yards and his low, powerful spot-kick snatched a draw for the home side.

Everton U21s: Springthorpe; Touray, Kenny, Browning, McLaughlin; Lundstram, Williams (65' Ledson), Grant; Kennedy (60' Duffus), Hope, Long (75' Charsley).

Quotes or other material sourced from EvertonFC.com





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