Mixed Everton XI loses Cup runout

Lyndon Lloyd , 1 August, 44comments | Jump to most recent

Tranmere Rovers 2 - 1 Everton XI

A mixture of Academy, reserve and senior players turned out against Tranmere Rovers in the Liverpool Senior Cup Final at Prenton Park this evening and were beaten by a late goal by Andy Robinson.

Even the presence of a string of players with Premier League experience in Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Jack Rodwell, Ross Barkley and Apostolos Vellios could not help the Toffees second-string produce much of note as they lost last season's delayed Liverpool Senior Cup Final to Tranmere Rovers in injury time.

A healthy crowd watched Ronnie Moore’s side largely out-muscle their younger opponents, who will hopefully at least have benefited from a rigorous workout against a solid and occasionally exciting League One outfit. At least the locals got some entertainment value too – with three penalties in normal time and a last-gasp winner to keep them engaged into the night at Prenton Park.

Typically of how things were to pan out, Tranmere created the first opportunity, when French trialist Jonathan Tehoue flashed a first time volley from six yards over the bar after good work from ex-Everton Academy player James Wallace.

The scare seemed to spark a sluggish Everton side into life, as they began to keep hold of the ball better and almost score after a slick passing move involving Francisco Junior and Coleman which saw Conor McAleny’s shot saved by 6 ft - 9 in Jason Mooney in the Rovers’ goal. In reply, Andy Robinson curled a shot only narrowly over Jan Mucha’s cross bar from 15 yards. Neither side were creating many opportunities as a scrappy tempo developed but Everton’s extra class eked out a decisive opening.

First Ross Barkley’s nicely weighted through-ball to saw McAleny’s shot blocked by Mark McChrystal, then from a corner the visitors edged in front. As Tranmere’s defenders switched off Garbutt’s inswinging corner was volleyed home easily by Apostolos Vellios from around the penalty spot.

Ronnie Moore’s side dusted themselves off and responded brightly, with lively new boy Abdulai Bell-Baggie working his way through on goal only to be denied by a timely sliding block from Jake Bidwell. As half time approached, McAleny and Barkley linked up smartly, to allow the later a chance to unleash a venomous effort that flew just outside Mooney’s post.

The Toffees should really have created more in the first half given the number of their players with Premier League experience, and although Barkley looked to join the attack from his right wing berth as much as possible, Mooney was not troubled enough. Indeed it was Rovers right back Danny Holmes who had the last chance of the opening half with a deflected shot.

The second half started in similar fashion, as Rovers were awarded a penalty when Jean Louis Akpa Akpro was impeded. Fortunately Mucha made a fine diving save to force Andy Robinson’s spot kick around the post. Then from the corner Tehoue’s athletic volley thundered over the bar. And 10 minutes later Robinson’s clever cross found Akpro unmarked in the area but his header was directed wastefully wide.

Urged on by their frustrated bench, Everton responded, and Conor McAleny won a penalty after shimmying into the area and being upended by Danny Holmes. Unfortunately his effort was too close to Mooney who saved smartly.

More spot-kicks seemed to be on the cards with the dead-lock drifting into extra-time, but then Moore’s men struck decisively. Akpro, who had shown impressive movement all night, caught Everton’s defence too far upfield and set Robinson free with only Mucha to beat. That he did confidently, allowing Rovers to smile for the cameras with the cup as those in blue got ready to face the wrath of Alan Stubbs.

Everton: Mucha; Coleman, Duffy (C), Bidwell, Garbutt; Junior (72' Hope), Kelly (45' Lundstram) Barkley, Rodwell; Vellios, McAleny. Subs used: Taudal, Browning, Forrester.

Reader Comments (44)

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Mike Oates
1 Posted 01/08/2012 at 18:04:41

Bit surprised that Jagielka, Baines, Heitinga and probably a few more didn't get included following the withdrawal from Indonesia and the lack of game time for 4-6 first team regulars.

Moyes can't be sure of Rodwell's fitness to include him here or it's a sign that Rodwell, Barkley, Coleman aren't seen as first teamers as yet.

Mark Lennon
2 Posted 01/08/2012 at 18:21:35

Mike Oates... I think we have a friendly tomorrow against the Bulgarian Champions, so I think them big names will be played then....

I'm looking forward to seeing young George Green, I've been hearing very good things about the lad.

Kieran Fitzgerald
3 Posted 01/08/2012 at 18:29:28

I think that the senior players have their places pretty much nailed in place come the start of the season. I would be happier with games like this one to see Duffy, Rodwell, Barkley and Junior get another full game behind them this pre season. If we are looking to these players to be the future of the club and take the pressure off the club over next couple of transfer windows, then we need to start giving them as many games as possible.

Shane Corcoran
4 Posted 01/08/2012 at 18:46:53

Perhaps but it's the lack of game time the senior players have available due the Java Cup withdrawal that I think concerns people.

Paul Gladwell
5 Posted 01/08/2012 at 19:07:31

Mike, Barkley and co are no doubt getting all the game time as they will need it as they will no doubt be occupying the bench for a good while, unless they spring some serious stuff when they come off the bench.

Sam Hoare
6 Posted 01/08/2012 at 20:08:45

1-0 to us. Vellios.

Jay Harris
7 Posted 01/08/2012 at 20:20:02

Sam
are you getting commentary?

Sam Hoare
8 Posted 01/08/2012 at 20:29:44

Fraid not. Following on the OS.

Sam Hoare
9 Posted 01/08/2012 at 21:22:30

1-1. A wallace penalty. Both sides have also missed penalties.

Martin Handley
10 Posted 01/08/2012 at 21:42:12

Is there extra time in this or straight to pens?

Jamie Barlow
11 Posted 01/08/2012 at 21:47:43

Conor McAleny missed a penalty and Andy Robinson scored for Tranmere in the last minute. 2-1 FT.

Phil Sammon
12 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:13:03

Rodwell gifted them the winner apparently. I know these are only friendlies but this is a game we really should win.

Tony Twist
13 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:11:51

Disappointing. I don't know what it is with the youngster but this result didn't surprise me. Vellios scored which gives me hope but whether he contributed anything else to the game, I don't know.

Martin Scott
14 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:31:39

In a word, Tony, No....

Peter Mills
15 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:34:40

I must admit I'm disappointed with this result. I know this is very old-fashioned, bur I first saw this handsome trophy at Marine about 1960, it's similar to the old League Championship trophy. I would like our young players to get used to winning cups.

Peter Laing
16 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:40:51

Stubbs will again be disappointed, these are the games that Rodwell, Barkley, Mc Aleny should be trying to impress, stamp their authority and hope to stake a claim for the 1st team

Drew O'Neall
17 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:41:44

I agree with that last point from Peter Mills about winning cups... At what point do we stop saying it's only a friendly / Mickey Mouse Cup / beginning of the season etc?

We don't usually start competing until October and I'm getting a bit cheesed off with our apathy... The standard and desire has to come from the manager.

Geoff Harrison
19 Posted 01/08/2012 at 22:42:58

Just got back from Tranmere. Even taking into account the usual pre-season poor-performance mitigating circumstances (fitness and shitness etc.) this display was unusually bad.

I've seen a fair bit of these players (as have most of us) and I know they're better than this. One game doesn't mean much I know, but it put me in mind of another awful showing at Southport 12 months ago (one that had Jose Baxter publically apologising)

Just started to wonder how useful Stubbs and Holden might be. Players don't appear to be flourishing in their teams. Maybe Davie Weir and Duncan may be more inspirational!

Mike Hayes
20 Posted 01/08/2012 at 23:01:43

Watched the match, terrible display from the five who have played first team. On this showing they have no hope of dislodging any of the first team any time soon.

Sam Hoare
21 Posted 01/08/2012 at 23:07:46

Only pre-season but does not speak well for the likes of Rodwell, Barkley, Duffy, Coleman and Vellios. As said above players like this with first team experience and aspirations must surely be expecting to dominate lower league opposition if they are going to prove themselves worthy of getting a starting jersey.

Could well be that this crop of youngsters have been over-hyped and we are wrong to expect too much from them.

James Stewart
22 Posted 02/08/2012 at 02:28:10

Rodwell looked truly awful. No way he will be playing much this season. Garbage.

Peter Thistle
23 Posted 02/08/2012 at 04:06:11

I wouldn't read too much into this game, it was a mix of youth and semi experience with no cohesion. To put it in perspective Arsenal XI lost 2-1 to Dartford on the same night. We ain't the only ones fielding half arsed teams that lose to "inferior" opposition.

Mick Davies
24 Posted 02/08/2012 at 04:37:31

If it's true that we have another friendly on Thurs (as posted above) then it will be the usual changing the side with a bagful of subs at half time. This means that some of the players, if not all will be getting about 45 mins or so.

This puts the Tranmere game in perspective in relation to our progress fitness wise: surely it would have been better to give most of the senior players at least 45 mins at Prenton Park, considering the lack of games following the Java Cup debacle?

Malc Kitchen
25 Posted 02/08/2012 at 04:41:12

Fair point, Peter. Tranmere are better than non-league Dartford! But I do agree with a lot of the comments put especially from guys who went to the game! Was thinking earlier Rodwell just has to do it this season or we get rid!

Malc Kitchen
26 Posted 02/08/2012 at 05:01:30

Geoff (323), you may well be right regarding Stubbs & Holden, this is the 2nd game running they have been naff!

Maybe we're in for Rhodes, sell Vic to Wigan for £4M, job done! Knows were the back of the net is! See what happens tomorrow!

Ged Simpson
27 Posted 02/08/2012 at 06:24:41

Let's get this season rolling - Moyes Out- NOW!

Mike Oates
28 Posted 02/08/2012 at 08:37:24

Interesting comments from Stubbs yesterday stating that Rodwell and Coleman need to pull their finger out to force their way into contention for a first team place. Rodwell must be wondering how he can 6 months ago be England's star against Holland at Wembley and last night playing for Everton Ressies at Tranmere in the prestigious Liverpool Senior Cup Final and looking useless.

Mike Hayes
29 Posted 02/08/2012 at 09:19:12

To be fair to Tranmere, they were up for this game and dominated both halves. Everton had no answer and their goal came from a run against play. Everton spent more time defending. James Wallace really showed his old team mates how to play.

Kevin Day
30 Posted 02/08/2012 at 09:57:12

We have a little over 2 weeks to go until the season starts, from here on in we should be playing at least 8 first team players so we can begin to gel ready for Man U

Lee Gray
31 Posted 02/08/2012 at 11:45:16

Rodwell £20 million.... got to be joking, he is GARBAGE! I would take £3 million for him.

Denis Richardson
32 Posted 02/08/2012 at 12:31:27

Let's be fair to Rodwell, you don't loose the talent overnight and he has shown in the past what he can do.

I would look more into why he is currently in such poor form / low confidence. Maybe a short 3-month loan spell to a Championship club would help him to get his fitness and sharpness back? At this rate he's only going to be warming the bench at best and we can always recall him from loan early if there are injuries etc.

I know we have a small squat but just a thought. Personally I don't think anyone at Everton has ever known what his best position is supposed to be and the kid doesn't know himself anymore.

Tony Marsh
33 Posted 02/08/2012 at 13:41:52

Last night was terrible! Rodwell was awfull so was Barkley. It was mostly reserves and youngsters but surely one or two of our lads should've stood out but they didn't. It was hard to figure out who looked like the League One side.

The football was so predictable and the movement off the ball was non-existent. Tranmere out-classed us and it was embarrassing to be honest. I would take £5 million for Rodwell after that last night and as for Ross "The Boss" Barkley — he will end up like the JP Kissocks of this world if he doesn't buck up.

Jay Harris
34 Posted 02/08/2012 at 13:59:03

I think this game sums up modern day footballers.

All the Everton lads think they're it and most of the lads at Tranmere are rejects or never was (no offence intended) so the Tranmere lads are up for the game but the Everton lads are out for a stroll.

As other posters have said, better management would address their egos.

Sam Hoare
35 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:02:36

Evidence for all those who were lambasting moyes last season for not throwing in Barkley. Perhaps he's just not all that or not yet ready.

Si Cooper
36 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:15:45

Circumstantial at best Sam. You could argue that had he regularly been given 20 minutes from the bench he would be further along in his development and might have bossed this game. No one really knows.

Flip it around a bit further and you end up questioning why a player we let go looks better than those we have chosen to keep.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter how these players do in this team, against this opposition - it matters how well they do when called upon to appear in the first team in the coming season

Mike Powell
38 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:02:24

Rodwell and Barkley need to buck up their ideas or they will be playing at Tranmere full time. Now you see why Moyes never played Barkley much last season; people think he is better than what he is. Sam Hoare, you're spot on.

Wayne Smyth
39 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:11:04

Barkley and Rodwell have shown what they can do in short spells for club and country. Personally I think most of the problem lies with our coaches and manager.

Consistently laboured build up play, no movement off the ball and few players showing for the ball and a lack of confidence are hallmarks of how we play. Looks like its filtered down to the ressies too.

No doubt someone will come on and explain how tranmere have out-spent us or have better players etc.....

Phil Brown
40 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:13:57

Seems simple to me, those five don't want to play for the reserves. And can you blame them: decent performances for the first team and then annexed to the reserves, glaringly obvious that they are not in Moyes starting eleven.

I think that this is Moyes achilles heel, he doesn't trust youth at all but doesn't accept that our future is totally dependent upon developing them as we've no money.

Barlkey, Vellios and Duffy need to spend the season on loan at a good championship club e.g. Blackpool. They will be the backbone of our team over the next few years.

Phil Brown
41 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:13:57

I think that this is Moyes achilles heel, he doesn't trust youth at all but doesn't accept that our future is totally dependent upon developing them as we've no money.

Barlkey, Vellios and Duffy need to spend the season on loan at a good championship club e.g. Blackpool. They will be the backbone of our team over the next few years.

Mark Riding
42 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:31:19

Phil #488 - Interesting point. I was thinking that a 'joint loan' of a couple of players may be a decent idea. Our squad is thin though. I was thinking more of a foreign idea, bear with me, loan out two players to the same foreign club for experience. They would therefore know someone there already, and I believe they would learn more than in the English Championship which is a tough league. Germany for example ?

Gavin Ramejkis
43 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:31:18

Agree with you Phil that those three need to be playing football or they'll not develop, the reserves isn't half the league it was years ago, if Moyes wont play them then someone else should.

Jem Traynor
44 Posted 03/08/2012 at 05:08:13

I think if the reserves and the fringe players out to earn a place can't show why they should be picked then yes, loan them out. It seems collecting their wages and skulking around is all they want to do and if they are doing it in numbers maybe there's a problem. I'd loan the ones less needed out as cover would dictate... but there again, we have a problem: I don't envy the manager but they can't be put in on those merits or lack of them.

So the season I think will start with the Senior first team we all know can do the honours and I hope they're up to it with the good points raised about lack of competitive game time on here makes me wonder but I would still keep the hopefuls at just that, IMO.

Nelly Verdonghan
45 Posted 04/08/2012 at 13:21:55

many people have hit the nail on the head....most of em are vastly over-rated...mainly by the media.

When has Rodwell EVER anything to justify a £20 mil price tag ??

If Barkley is the real deal he would be playing regularly for the 1st team....after all (love hime or hate him) Rooney was playing & scoring regualrly from the age of 16....Barclay is nearly 19 and has only made 9 appearances inc 5 as sub...why people think he's our saviour god only knows.

Over the years we've had loads of them....Branch, Cadermateri, Jeffers....all of whom were meant to be world beaters....ALL of them failed in a blue shirt....mainly beacuse of the totally unrealistic exxpectations placed on their shoulders.....now it's happening again with Rodwell & Barkley etc.

Jay #426 made a very valid point...I went to the game on Wednesday and was disgusted at how most of them strolled around like Johhny BigBalls looking like they couldn't give a fuck...I was so disgusted with their attitude that I left with about 20 mins to go just knowing they would lose...

The truth is that in these days of massive egos and over inflated salaries they don't have to give a fuck because they've already made it (even if they don't ever get a game for the 1st team) or at least most of them think they have...absolute disgrace !!

Nelly Verdonghan
46 Posted 04/08/2012 at 13:36:25

many people have hit the nail on the head....most of em are vastly over-rated...mainly by the media.
When has Rodwell EVER done anything to justify a £20 mil price tag ??

If Barkley is the real deal he would be playing regularly for the 1st team....after all (love hime or hate him) Rooney was playing & scoring regualrly from the age of 16....Barkley is nearly 19 and has only made 9 appearances inc 5 as sub...why people think he's our saviour god only knows.

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