U21s win rollercoaster affair with Newcastle

, 14 January, 15comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton's Under-21s came on the right side of a goal-fest in Southport, beating Newcastle 4-3 just when it looked as though an 89th-minute equaliser had salvaged a draw for the visitors.

David Unsworth's side twice came from behind to lead 3-2 with 15 minutes to go but were pegged back to 3-3 in the penultimate minute by Callum Roberts' goal.

Courtney Duffus won it with an immediate reply, however, to cap off a seven-goal thriller at the Merseyrail Community Stadium.

Everton made the worst possible start when they fell behind in the first minute to Emmanuel Riviere's strike but Leandro Rodriguez had the Blues level in the 10th minute when he tapped home from close range.

The Magpies' U21s reclaimed the lead after 25 minutes, though, when Sylvain Marveaux converted from the penalty spot to give them a 2-1 half-time lead.

Everton turned the tables in the second half, though, when Joe Williams scored a fine equaliser two minutes after the interval and Callum Connolly headed in Kieran Dowell's cross to make it 3-2 with a quarter of an hour to go before the late, late drama unfolded.

Everton: Gray, Connolly, Davies, Feeney, Thorniley, Dowell, Williams, Charsley, Byrne (Duffus 62'), Rodriguez (Evans 62'), McAleny (Dyson 75').
Subs not used: Griffiths, Yates

 

Reader Comments (15)

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Rob Hooton
1 Posted 14/01/2016 at 21:09:42
Sounds like a cracker! Well done for not giving up lads. Any further reports appreciated.
Jon Withey
2 Posted 14/01/2016 at 21:46:52
Everton = goals.
John Dean
3 Posted 14/01/2016 at 23:01:22
The crowd, about 100, were treated to a compelling game of football and the best team won it at the death. It was down to earth with a bump as the Everton side (who played on Monday at the sparkling new ground Manchester City have built for their U21 and women's teams) returned to Southport's ground and had to contend with a very heavy pitch that made it almost impossible to turn quickly and remain upright.

Everton kept faith with the team that started the City game although Sam Byrne started in place of Courtney Duffus. They played an aggressive game built on fully committing to trying to win the ball off Newcastle as they tried to work their way up the pitch. Tom Davies and Joe Williams were excellent at this and they were supported by their team-mates who all played with determination. As a result, most of the action was around the Newcastle box and Everton created plenty of chances but the treacherous ground conditions foiled a number of opportunities as players fell when turning inside their man and into the box. It also left they vulnerable to Newcastle slipping past the tackle and running through and they managed that on a couple of occasions.

I thought Leandro Rodriquez looked more threatening tonight; his close control was good and he scored a simply tap in when the Newcastle keeper jumped for a high ball and didn't get it as he was challenged in the air by two Everton players, the ball falling into the path of Leandro. But he missed when his header from McAleny's blocked shot was tipped over and an attempted half-volley from a cross. He did break into the box and got his shot off a couple of times, one thundered over the bar.

In the first half, Joe Williams mis-timed two shots from outside the box that went high but he struck a sweet goal from 25 yards that curled away from the keepers full-length dive. Calum Connolly, moving away from goal, cleverly allowed a driven cross to skim off his head and find its way into the net.

Harry Charsley, again playing at right back, was able to be very adventurous down his wing and perhaps should have done better with the crosses he delivered. But I think it was his break and fierce drive that was turned in on the line to win the game.

Minik Hansen
4 Posted 15/01/2016 at 00:05:58
John Dean a well written summary of the game, thanks.
Michael Williams
5 Posted 15/01/2016 at 02:58:23
Thank you John. Enjoyed it.
John Jones
6 Posted 15/01/2016 at 04:09:26
Sounds like Newcastle had a few first teamers in their squad, so an all round good result.

I really hope we can get an early goal or two in the next round of the FA Cup to allow Leandro some minutes, really hope he can start to break into the squad toward the end of the season to set himself up for pre season next term, he reminds me of Hernandez (Chicharito) a typical roght place right time player. Which we wot have once Naismith leaves.

Fingers crossed.

Craig Fletcher
7 Posted 15/01/2016 at 04:13:53
Seems like a very decent Newcastle side, Riviere, Marveaux, I thought they were in and around the Newcastle first team.

Well done lads - and a nice report, thanks John.

Ajay Gopal
8 Posted 15/01/2016 at 04:28:17
Thanks for the report, John.

On another note, I am going to be confused (as I suspect will many other Toffees) between Sam Byrne and Sam Byram...:-)
Harold Matthews
9 Posted 15/01/2016 at 04:41:52
Great report as usual John. Sounds like Leandro is gradually getting there, which is what it's all about for him.
Rob Hooton
10 Posted 15/01/2016 at 07:27:40
Thanks John, sounds a bit like some of the senior games, dominating possession and being hit with a sucker punch but getting the win they deserved this time?

I would like to see Leandro in the cup for half an hour if all goes well as I don’t get the chance to get to many games living down south.

Sam Hoare
12 Posted 15/01/2016 at 09:18:14
Great result for the lads. Leandro is finding his way back after a nasty injury at an unfortunate time. Sounds like he's doing pretty well and might have some opportunities in the first team over the next few months.
Paul Ellam
13 Posted 15/01/2016 at 17:04:57
Well done, team.

Nothing wrong with winning trophies – ANY trophies!

Dave Abrahams
14 Posted 15/01/2016 at 19:27:48
Thanks for the report John, it sounds like it was a great game to watch, what’s your opinion of Sam Byrne, has he got a chance? Is Jonjoe Kenny injured or is he out on loan? And how about

Harry Charsley playing at full back, he is usually upfront poaching a goal or two? Lot of questions from me and it is Friday night so I don’t expect any answers.

John Dean
15 Posted 15/01/2016 at 20:59:37
Sam had a good game, he was busy and enthusiastic but on at least two occasions he failed to trouble the keeper when he drove into the box from the flanks and should have hit the target area. As he will be judged on the goals he scores, he hasn't been a consistent scorer for Everton so far and I can't see that this will change.

There has been no announcement about a loan so an injury looks favourite. Earlier in the season, Usworth played two youngsters, Lees and Mullen, as fullbacks and they kept a clean sheet so presumably could have stepped in if required. So it may just be part of giving Harry a wider insight into how the game is played. He doesn't look a natural defender, his first instinct is to attack and he's scored goals throughout his time at Everton.

You mean people go out on a Friday.

Dave Abrahams
16 Posted 15/01/2016 at 22:23:22
Thanks, John, for answering my questions, also for your good knowledge of Everton’s youngsters.

Going out on a Friday? I never missed, when I was alive!!!!


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