U23s fall to defeat to Derby at Goodison

Monday, 19 February, 2018 15comments | Jump to most recent

Everton's U23s were in Premier League 2 action against Derby County at Goodison Park this evening but ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline.

The Blues were looking to bounce back after a 4-0 loss to Arsenal last week but were 1-0 down after just seven minutes when Luke Thomas capitalised on a missed kick from Michael Collins to race clear and slot home.

Lewis Gibson went close with a header off Conor Grant's free kick not long afterwards and Fraser Hornby headed off the post following excellent work by David Henen as the Blues responded to conceding the early goal.

Shane Lavery came off the bench to level matters with a header off Antony Evans' cross but Max Bird restored the visitors' lead and Louis Walker made it safe for Derby with a third.

David Unsworth's side was in 5th place in the PL2 table coming into the game and they were looking a long shot to defend their 2017 title despite having a game in hand on the leaders, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Everton U23s: Hewelt; Markelo (62' Lavery), Denny, Feeney, Gibson; Henen, Evans, Collins (46' Ouzounidis), Grant; Sambou (46' Baxter), Hornby.
Subs not Used: Hilton, Bowler.

Reader Comments (15)

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Dave Abrahams
1 Posted 18/02/2018 at 18:26:34

Five nights to pick from and they choose Monday... can't you do nothing right, Kenwright!!!!

Michael Kenrick
2 Posted 18/02/2018 at 18:35:15

Dave, this will be the 11th game they have played on a Monday this season. Last season, 21 games on a Monday...

Far be it from me to suggest that you change your drinking plans with your Red pals... but how about switching that particular indulgence to Thursdays? You will thank me for it in the end.

Dave Abrahams
3 Posted 18/02/2018 at 18:45:02

Michael, thanks for the suggestion but Mondays are for drinking in Liverpool (Mad Mondays) even if they have quietened down from when I was working.

By the way, I would miss a lot of those games because a lot are played in Southport but I love watching the young players at Goodison Park. Thanks again, Michael.

Brian Cleveland
4 Posted 19/02/2018 at 16:42:03

Will this be shown on the Facebook page or YouTube or whatever?

Frank Wade
5 Posted 19/02/2018 at 19:21:07

Brian, it's live on the official site for members. We are one down as I write after 13 minutes.

Dave, I know you're not a fan of the chairman from past posts, but to blame him for the scheduling of these games on a Monday night is stretching it. He doesn't have the last say on things like the colour of the paper in the loos and certainly doesn't have the last say on panic managerial appointments since his majority shareholding was bought by Moshiri. Drink sensibly now.

Brian Cleveland
6 Posted 19/02/2018 at 19:38:06

I see the commentary but not any link to video... I guess "members" means the paying people? I never did that as there always seemed to be some cock-up with streaming the friendlies or other games that were on... now if I remember rightly, I think I joined the Derby website last year and and they have it on!

Tony Ateman
7 Posted 19/02/2018 at 19:40:33

http://www.evertonfc.com/unhoused/membership-exclusive-content/live/everton-u23-v-derby-u23

Brian Cleveland
8 Posted 19/02/2018 at 19:46:11

I got in through the Derby website! Don't know how I managed to remember my password!

Tony, that link only refers me to the membership page.

Tony Ateman
9 Posted 19/02/2018 at 19:47:17

If you log in then try it. It's for members only.

Brian Cleveland
10 Posted 19/02/2018 at 20:02:04

I am logged in, but it's the old normal account, don't know if that counts... never mind, I can watch it with the Derby commentators!

Frank Wade
11 Posted 19/02/2018 at 20:28:42

Equaliser by sub Shane Lavery with a diving header: 1-1.

Frank Wade
12 Posted 19/02/2018 at 20:41:46

Derby 2-1, nice left footed finish in corner. 78 mins

Frank Wade
14 Posted 19/02/2018 at 20:47:02

Counter attack by Derby and it's 3-1.

Big change in quality from last season with departure of Williams, Robinson, Dowell, Walsh, plus Baningime missing. Adeniran not playing tonight either.

Dave Abrahams
15 Posted 19/02/2018 at 00:02:46

Frank (5), my tongue was definitely in my cheek over that remark. I know Billy Boy was no way responsible for the Monday night fixture.

Just got in, drank sensibly, thanks for the reports of the game, I think you enjoy these reserve fixtures as much as me, maybe more so.

You are right – they are missing quite a few players from last season, players who would make a massive difference to the performances of the team. Liam Walsh and Joe Williams would have been pressing for a place in the first team with the state of Everton's central midfield, as it stands at the moment.

David Bromwell
16 Posted 20/02/2018 at 12:33:23

I usually enjoy these games but last night Everton were very poor and the team contained a number of players who must have come very close to the end of their Everton careers.

Shane Lavery looked lively and scored a good goal, and Antony Evans, who didn't have his best game, tried hard but apart for these two the rest were poor.

At the present time the Clubs development programme looks confusing, we have too many players who cannot get a game of any sort. I hope someone sorts this out during the close season and we begin to address the obvious and long-standing failings in the first team squad. But last night, this lot looked a long way from providing any comfort.

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