Everton U21s 2 - 1 West Brom U21s

Michael Kenrick , 4 November, 8comments | Jump to most recent

Everton U21s beat their West Brom counterparts at Finch Farm thanks to goals from Matthew Kennedy and a late winner by Hallam Hope.The Everton lineup included Thomas Hitzlsperger and Magaye Gueye who were unused substitutes at Fulham 24 hours earlier.
On a bitterly cold afternoon at Finch Farm it was Matthew Kennedy that forced the Albion goalkeeper into making the first save of the afternoon with a sweet volley. The visitors inflicted their first assault with a free kick and the blues were also close with a trademark Hitzlsperger effort from a free kick that was blocked by the Albion wall.

Kennedy got the blues in front on 14 minutes with a marvellous finish, cutting in then unleashing a shot that left the Brommies keeper helpless as the ball flew into the net. Anichebe had to be replaced not long after Everton had taken the lead as he seemed to fall heavily then to be stretchered off and replaced by Hallam Hope on 21 minutes. Everton were very much in control but not creating many chances for the front pair of Vellios and Hope.

The first chance of the second half fell to Magaye Gueye but his shot was directed way off the target. The visitors got back on level terms with a goal from Yassine El Ghanassy who lashed a low shot past Jan Mucha.

Everton had a good shout for a penalty as Hallam Hope went down in the box but the referee was not convinced. Hitzlsperger drove a shot goal-bound after a good feed from Kennedy but the German had his shot blocked.

Everton began to up their game again and Gueye went close only to be foiled by the keeper. Later, Kennedy made a run through the Albion defence but somehow lost his footing and slipped with the chance begging. But, with 6 minutes remaining, Kennedy made up for his slip with a lovely assist to Hope who side footed his shot home.

Everton: Mucha; Browning, Touray, Junior, Duffy; Pennington, Kennedy, Hitzlsperger; Vellios (78' Lundstram), Anichebe (21' Hope), Gueye. Unused Subs: Taudul, Forrester, Hammar.

Quotes or other material sourced from Grand Old Team

Reader Comments (8)

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Ajay Gopal
1 Posted 05/11/2012 at 05:32:53

This Kennedy lad seems to be making a name for himself in the U21s. Hope he develops into a player who could challenge somebody like Naismith and offer some options/back-up to David Moyes.

Also good to hear that Hitz is getting some more game time. Maybe, one of these days when Everton are cruising 3-0 at home with 15 minutes remaining, Moyes may take off Neville and try Hitz in that position.

Sam Hoare
2 Posted 05/11/2012 at 07:24:35

Good reports of Kennedy, suddenly we look to have some talent in the wide areas. Would hope to hear positive reports of junior too after his great pre season and our need for depth in the middle of the park. Personally I would rather it was junior rather than hitz who earned himself a first team chance.

David Chait
3 Posted 05/11/2012 at 14:38:15

Anyone else notice the headlines Baxter is making at Oldham? I still think we have lost real Premier League player here... but time will tell.

Mike Gaynes
4 Posted 05/11/2012 at 16:26:53

David, excuse my skepticism, but I think what we lost in Baxter was a real Championship player -- and that's all. He rarely scored even in the Reserves for us, and Moyes doesn't make mistakes on letting young players go. I think the lad has found his level, that's it.

Davie Turner
5 Posted 05/11/2012 at 18:08:15

Though Baxter was offered another contract, so the club still had some hope! I respect the lad though, he wanted to play and left to play. I wish the best of luck and he still has potential! He could still make a prem player, though chances are he's a Championship player.

Phil Roberts
6 Posted 06/11/2012 at 06:30:49

http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/12-13/news/22859.html - so Saturday 3pm, Duffy was a late replacement for Anichebe, who was unwell against Fulham...

And 24 hours later (see above), Anichebe had to be replaced not long after Everton had taken the lead as he seemed to fall heavily then to be stretchered off.

Just a bit concerned that someone who was too ill to sit on a bench one day gets injured the next.

James Flynn
7 Posted 06/11/2012 at 21:34:40

Speaking of youth, anyone remember John Curtis? He's over here now, coaching one of our Everton-affiliated youth organizations.

Ian Bennett
8 Posted 06/11/2012 at 21:42:32

Ex-United?

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