Everton U23s draw 1-1 with PSV

Dobbins subbed for Simms - not Simms for Simms!

A first U23s start for 16-year-old Tyler Onyango who's been playing well for the U18s this season and also England U17. He was involved in winning the ball back and passing to Adeniran who then set up Gordon for the goal.

I'd love to see these kids coming through, it's far too early to get excited about him yet, but so far he's looking to be a good prospect with his height, physicality and skills.

Time to get Gordon playing in the first team me thinks. He's been ripping it up this season, if we don't keep waiting to promote him, we'll either lose him or destroy his confidence.

I know it held a game the night before but wouldn't it be good for these kids to play these games at Goodison.

Fran, he's a massive blue from a blue family. His dream is to play for Everton. He will continue to be patient. However, I do agree that he should be on the bench sooner rather than later. Not for the Spurs game, but Norwich at home is one that stands out.

Alan, you mean like the home game before last (Blackburn 16th September) when 372 people turned up to Goodison? Free entry for season ticket holders as well.

Sorry, Steve, as opposed to how many thousand at Haig Avenue?

I didn't intend it to be a money-making proposition – more of Everton giving the game and the players an air of importance and encouragement.

Steve (6), was that game at Goodison? If it was it must have been on a Monday night, otherwise there would have been 373 there.

Yes Dave, it was a Monday. Here is the full game: Everton v Blackburn u23s

Alan, they have played at Goodison a few times. I believe they have to do so for the FLT games, it's either that or they are all away games.

Dave, perhaps we can meet for the next one at Goodison, I'll even buy you a pint before the game! The next game is Monday 17 February against Derby Co, with a 7.00pm kick off. The only other one is the final game of the season which is also a Monday.

Brief YouTube highlights:

Link

Note how Gordon comes alive as the move unfolds from which he finishes nicely.

Weird equalizer deep into added time. A corner not cleared at the near post and the presence of their keeper in the 6 yard box proved telling. Loads of blue shirts around but none keep out the scrambled winner.

Couldn't find the game live in any of the usual places. So those highlights are all I saw too. Looks like their keeper got a touch. Simms had a couple of chances, one much better than the other.

Again, why can't Everton stream the full game on the website, or YouTube, like most of the other sides do? Including Championship sides like Derby County.

Steve (9), yes I'd be made up to have a pint with you, but missing Monday with my mates, unless it is a first team game, is like missing mass.

Tell you what: if the Youth team get a home draw in the FA Youth Cup, I'll have a drink with you, unless of course it is on a Monday.

I'll hold you to that Dave!

Dave, do I still get my Bovril?

Brent, do you go to all the U23 games at Haig Avenue?

Brent (14), of course you do, see you on Sunday, just show me the receipt for the Bovril I told you to buy last night and the one and a tanner is yours.

Unsworth is raving about Onyango. How good is he, does anyone know?

Nice to hear that Baningime is playing well again too.

Steve, I get to almost all Haig Avenue games for U23s.

Dave, will you accept a written affidavit from the tea lady?

Brent (18), yes okay, as long as she can produce two character references with the written avidavit, I’m not dripping with money you know, we’re talking about one and a tanner here.

Tony #17. Sorry, meant to reply before my tea. I watched Onyango for the first time last night. Played from the start. Slightly off the pace at times but covered a hell of a lot of ground, won the ball a few times, got in some decent passes including in the build-up to our goal. Boy he's a big lad and only 16 - in the U23s!

Dobbin also got a few minutes at the end in place of Simms up front. Slim and quick as a whippet (do people have whippets these days?). Also only 16.

Brent, if you think Gordon is fast, you ain't seen Dobbin. That kid is as fast as Vaughan was when he was 16. He looks a lot more skilful than Vaughan but nowhere near as powerful.

Thanks very much, Brent @20.

I thought Beni had already announced that he was off at the end of the season.

Er – isn't that what Brent just said, Steve? That Dobbin was "Slim and quick as a whippet."

I was agreeing with him, Dennis, but making the observation that Dobbin is quicker than Gordon. Brent might disagree.

Steve, Anthony Gordon is impressively fast. Given a straight run at a a full back, he can leave many / most for dead. Last night was the first time I’d seen Dobbin. If he’s faster than Gordon, at age 16, then I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him. So can’t disagree with you, Steve.

You've seen Gordon more than me, I think, Brent. So I'd put more stock in your opinion. I defo need to get up to Haig Avenue this season though.

Let me know if you ever come up to Haig Avenue, Steve, and I'll buy you a pint.

Don't know Jay @23, I very much hope not.

Will do Brent. I like the thatch and thistle. Not been there for a few years.

The Thatch has been done up, Steve. Nice but I’ll have to make a special case to get you in!

Next up we play Crewe in the (lower) League Trophy or whatever it’s called.

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