U23s fall to narrow defeat at Sunderland

Sunday, 11 March, 2018 5comments | Jump to most recent

Everton U23s fell to a 2-1 defeat against Sunderland on Sunday in a game the young Blues largely dominated.

Two superb finishes by Sunderland midfielder Luke Molyneux proved the difference at the Stadium of Light, with David Henen hitting back for Everton when he wriggled free at the edge of the box and his precise shot found the bottom corner.

David Unsworth made four changes to the starting XI which beat Swansea at Goodison Park on Monday night, with 16-year-old centre-back, Ryan Astley, making his debut for the Under-23s. Michael Collins, Davind Henen and Alex Denny came in for Ramiro Funes Mori, Davy Klaassen, Beni Baningime and Con Ouzounidis.

Everton U23s: Hewelt, Markelo (59' Bramall), Collins (58' Lavery), Denny, Astley, Gibson, Evans, Hornby, Sambou, Henen, Bowler (78' Mapala).
Subs not Used: Hilton, Ouzounidis.

Full Match Report at Evertonfc.com

Reader Comments (5)

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Phill Thompson
1 Posted 12/03/2018 at 15:41:01

Despite the defeat there were a number of positives, particularly from the younger players Gibson, Denny and the 16-year-old schoolboy Ryan Astley who was starting his first game at this level.

Astley was particularly impressive, good in the tackle, strong in the air and very composed for his age. I can't remember seeing a youngster making his debut being so impressive. Time to cut back on the hyperbole. I'll just say he's one to watch out for.

Steavey Buckley
2 Posted 12/03/2018 at 15:55:31

To put football matters concerning the Everton Under-23s into relative perspective, both Lyon and Atlanta from the Europa league, who beat Everton easily, are filled with players from their respective academies. So Everton have a way to go before matching these clubs' achievements attracting and coaching quality younger players.

Dave Abrahams
3 Posted 13/03/2018 at 12:04:38

Phill. (1), Ryan Astley, that's a new name to me, has he come through the ranks, don't recall us signing him from another club.

Phill Thompson
4 Posted 13/03/2018 at 16:57:22

Dave, he's a Schoolboy still, been with us many years coming through the ages but only recently appeared in our U18 teams, maybe 2 or 3 games can't remember.

Playing U18 football as a Schoolboy is good but not unheard of, Anthony Gordon and Michael Collins did so last season, but he's our first Schoolboy to play U23s level.

He's been playing for Wales since at least U15 level, coming through their ranks together with 3 or 4 others that we have on our books, and he now captains the Wales U17s. He's actually signed Scholarship forms so will join us in July when the new Scholars will be officially announced.

Phil Smith
5 Posted 14/03/2018 at 22:15:59

No Beni. Could he get a game this weekend?

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