[History of Everton Reserves]
Rebranded this season as the Under-21s again, Everton's Under-23s were the end product of the renowned Everton Academy at Finch Farm which is a Category One Elite Development entity under the current Premier League/FA rules and has produced a number of players now on the threshold of breaking into the Blues' first team. Since 2016, they play in the FA Premier League 2, with the number of teams now at 14 in Division 1.
As well as the U21s competing in the Premier League Cup and the Premier League International Cup, Everton are also one of the Premier League Development sides that enter U21 teams into the Papa John's (ne EFL) Trophy against the senior sides from Football League One and League Two.
Everton Under-21s usually split their home matches between the 'Pure' Stadium at Haig Avenue in Southport and Goodison Park, with some games also being played at Finch Farm.
Everton's games in the 2022-23 Liverpool Senior Cup and Lancashire Senior Cup are contested by the Under-18s, along with the FA Youth Cup too.
F denotes Friendly fixture TF denotes Friendly tournament fixture XI denotes Friendly fixture involving an Everton XI (not necessarily the first team)PL2 denotes Premier League 2 fixtures PLC denotes Premier League Cup fixturesPLIC denotes Premier League International Cup fixturesPJT denotes EFL Trophy fixtures
FA PREMIER LEAGUE 2, Division 1, 2022-23
The section below contains team details, scorers, and brief match reports for Everton Under-21 matches during the 2022-23 Season.
Starting in 2017-18, the U21 Premier League (which itself replaced the old Reserves league that stretched back to an age that pre-dated the formation of the Football League in 1888) was renamed Premier League 2 formed of 24 Category 1 Development teams from top-tier Premier League and Championship clubs. Last season saw PL2 expanded to 28 teams; Birmingham City, Burnley and Reading lost Category One status in the summer of 2022 and no longer compete at this level. reducing the number of teams in Division 2 to 11.
Each team can field a goalkeeper over the age limit and up to three ‘over-age’ outfield players in every match.
Clubs play each other once at home and once away, with the top team in Division 1 named as Champions. The bottom two teams in Division 1 get relegated to Division 2. In Division 2, the league winners get automatic promotion to Division 1; teams ranked 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th go into a promotion play-off. There is no relegation from Division 2.
The Average Age of PL2 squads in the 2022-23 season, as listed at Transfermarkt were:
Premier League 2; Game #1 Friday 5 August 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton’s revamped Under-21s kicked off the new season in Southport on Friday evening, running out winners over their Lancashire neighbours with goals either side of half-time.
Everton used the first-half as match practice for club captain Seamus Coleman who is decidedly Over-31!
The first goal came on 42 minutes when Quirk picked out Cannon with a superb through pass and the striker kept his composure to round the keeper and slot the ball into the net.
Shortly after the restart, Sean McAllister cut inside from the left to curl a lovely finish past the keeper for Everton‘s second goal.
Everton U21s: Leban, Coleman (46’ John), Hunt, Welch, Campbell (46’ Anderson), Butterfield, Quirk (73’ Kouyate), Price, Cannon, Whitaker (86’ Okoronkwo), McAllister. Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League 2, Game #2 Friday 12 August 2022 Lamex Stadium, Stevenage
Everton U21s secured another impressive win at Stevenage against Tottenham Hotspur U21 in their second game of the season in PL2.
Paul Tait had the team organised well and working exceptionally hard to maintain some very high standards that built on the excellent start to this campaign, which saw them run out as 2-0 winners over Blackburn Rovers last week.
Everton went ahead after just 3 minutes when Muir put the ball into his own net. The young Blues went further ahead when McAllister was fouled in the area and Tom Cannon finished off the penalty with aplomb.
Spurs came out of the blocks in the second half but the Everton defence held firm for the Blues to go top of the embryonic PL2 table with a 100% record, and no goals conceded. Subs not Used: Barrett, .
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Hunt, Campbell, Anderson, Butterfield, Price, Warrington (89' Kouyate), Cannon, Whitaker (78' Quirk), McAllister (86' Okoronkwo). Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon.
Premier League 2; Game #3 Friday 19 August 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
The game was not moved to Goodison Park, despite the story on the Everton website, and was streamed live.
The visitors took the lead early on and were 2-up before the half-hour mark, when Tom Cannon got one back.
Cannon levelled things up a 2-2 before the break with an audacious backheeled volley.
But whatever they tried, Everton could not get the winning goal in the second half and the Blues ended up dropping their first points of the season and spurning top spot in the PL2 table.
Everton U21s: Leban, John [Y:45+2'], Hunt, Welch, Anderson [Y:41'], Warrington, Quirk (70' Okoronkwo), Price, Cannon, Whitaker, McAllister (70' Kouyate). Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon, Campbell.
Premier League 2, Game #4 Saturday 27 August 2022 Rush Green, Romford
Everton U21s were victorious at the Rush Green Stadium in Romford in the fourth game of their PL2 season beating West Ham United with goals from Price and Djankpata.
And the young Blues lead at half-time thanks to a goal from Isaac Price. The Hammers lost possession on their defensive left flank and Okoronkwo stole the ball, squaring it for Price to finish from close range.
Whitaker had a header hit the woodwork just before the break, and just after, West Ham had a player ejected, centre-forward Divin Mubama...
The 10 men of West Ham equalized on 76 minutes, but the Blues came roaring back to reestablish their lead 2 minutes later through sub Halid Djankpata in his first outing at his level.
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Hunt, Welch, Anderson, McAllister, Quirk, Price [Y:85'], Okoronkwo, Whitaker, Kouyate (72' Djankpata) Subs not Used: Barrett, Campbell, Mallon, Ebere.
Premier League 2; Game #5 Saturday 3 September 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s lost to Chelsea at The Pure Stadium in Southport
After a fairly even first half, Everton went behind to two quick goals after the break and that's how it finished. .
Everton U21s: Leban, Hunt, Mallon (56' Campbell), Anderson, Welch, McAllister, Price, Okoronkwo (69' Kouyate), Quirk, Cannon, Whitaker (78' Djankpata). Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League 2; Game #6 Sunday 18 September 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s beat Brighton and Hove Albion in the 6th fixture of their Premier League 2 campaign.
The visitors took the lead early on and were 2-up before the half-hour mark, wheIt was goalless at the break but Stan Mills stepped up with a clinical strike on the hour mark to give Everton the lead. And that's how it finished..
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Welch, Anderson [Y:51'], Hunt, Quirk [Y:62'], Price, Mills (77' Djankpata), Whitaker, Okoronkwo (77' Kouyate), Cannon. Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon, Campbell.
Premier League 2, Game #7 Friday 30 September 2022 Motspur Park, New Malden
Everton Under-21s were beaten by Fulham in trying conditions at Motspur Park, New Malden, on Friday night.
Everton played well in wet and windy conditions but nothing went their way and goals in each half for the home side determined the outcome.
Everton U21s: Leban, Mallon, Hunt, Campbell, Anderson, Quirk, Mills (84' Djankpata [Y:90+5']), Price, Cannon, Whitaker [Y:61'] (63' I Samuels-Smith), Okoronkwo (74' Kouyate). Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League 2, Game #8 Saturday 9 October 2022 Crystal Palace Training Ground
Paul Tait's Everton U21s went 4-1 up at one stage in a dramatic PL2 game at Crystal Palace, holding on to win 4-3, Leban saving a last-minute penalty, and inflicting the table-toppers their first defeat of the season.
Everton took an early lead after just 2 minutes through Charlie Whitaker when he got on the end of a Mathew Mallon cross to poke home.
Everton went further ahead through Stan Mills with header from 12 yards out after 11 minutes. The home side pulled a goal back while goalscorer Whitaker was shown a yellow card. More cards for Mallon and Anderson before the break, when Tom Cannon knocked in Everton's 3rd from close range in added time.
The visitors notched up a 4th goal through Sean McAllister with a long-range deflected shot before Palace clawed one back but had seemingly left it too late, scoring their 3rd from the penalty spot against 10-man Everton with 2 minutes left after Joe Anderson had picked up a second yellow.
But there was even more drama before the end: another Palace penalty was saved in the last minute by Leban, to ensure Everton took all 3 points.
Everton U21s: Leban, Mallon [Y:24'] (80' Campbell), Welch, Anderson [Y:34'; YR:86'], Hunt, Quirk, Price, Mills (85' Okoronkwo), McAllister, Whitaker [Y:22'] (90+5' Djankpata), Cannon.Subs not Used: Barrett, Kouyate.
Premier League 2, Game #9 Saturday 22 October 2022 Liverpool Academy
Liverpool Academy was the venue for Everton U21s in this afternoon's mini-derby where they lost after taking an early lead.
Paul Tait's men look to carry on the fine standard of play that brought them an exceptional 6-0 win at Hartlepool Utd during the week in the Papa John's (EFL) Trophy.
And the young Blues got off to a great start with Stanley Mills tapping in at the far post to give them an early lead after 8 minutes. But Liverpool equalized just before the half-hour mark, and went on to score what would be the winner after Everton made a slew of changes in the second half.
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Hunt, Welch, Campbell, Quirk (71' Djankpata), Mills (71' Okoronkwo), Price, Cannon [Y:65'], Whitaker (71' Kouyate), McAllister.Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon.
Premier League 2; Game #10 Saturday 29 October 2022 Finch Farm
The Blues stormed into a 4-1 lead by half-time, with goals from Whitaker (2), Price and Mills.
Man City pulled back another goal before the hour-mark. That stirred Tom Cannon and Francis Okoronko to get on the scoresheet before City pulled another one back and that's how this goalfest finished.
Everton U21s: Leban, John (81' Kouyate), Hunt, Welch, Anderson, Quirk [Y:85'], Mills (81' Higgins), Price [Y:55'], Cannon, Whitaker, McAllister (50' Okoronkwo). Subs not Used: Barrett, Campbell.
Premier League 2, Game #11 Sunday 6 November 2022 Meadow Park
Arsenal took an early lead after just 6 minutes but Everton were back in the game just over 10 minutes later through Isaac Price. The home side scored again before the half-hour mark, and that's how it stayed until the break.
And after play resumed, Arsenal scored again to secure the win and top spot.
Everton U21s: Leban, Hunt (83' Heath), I Samuels-Smith, Welch (73' Dixon), Anderson, Quirk [Y:14'], Mills [Y:43'] (72' Campbell), Price, Cannon [Y:45'] (73' Kouyate), Whitaker, Okoronkwo.Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League 2; Game #12 Friday 6 January 2023 Haig Avenue, Southport
Mills, Price, and Cannon were back with the team after brief flirtations with the senior squad, while Einar Iversen made his first appearance as a late sub after missing out on nearly 2 years of his development programme in the Everton academy following a serious ACL injury back in March 2021.
Second-half sub, Owen Barker stepped up to this level for his first PL2 appearance after playing in a number of cup games for the U21s this season. Tom Cannon scored with well-executed free-kick after the visitors had scored in each half.
Everton: Leban, John [Y:27'] (84' Iversen), Campbell (61' I Samuels-Smith), Welch, Anderson, Quirk, Mills, Price, Cannon, Okoronkwo [Y:35'] (71' Higgins), Kouyate (46' Barker).Subs not Used: Barrett
Premier League 2, Game #13 Sunday 15 January 2023 Academy Ground
The contest was due to be played at the County Ground in Leyland at 1 pm, but a waterlogged pitch meant that an alternative venue was required with the kick-off delayed to 1:30 pm GMT.
Everton seemed short of players again with only 4 subs named and two of them (Heath and Barker) having turned out for the U18s yesterday, with Einar Iversen on the bench as his rehabilitation progresses after an inordinately long injury layoff.
Everton stormed into the lead after just 7 minutes after Anderson fed the ball to Stan Mills who set off on a great run from the halfway line before finishing coolly from 12 yards. A terrific individual goal.
But after the break, the game turned on its head with two goals from the home side before Everton equalized. A free-kick from Campbell was saved but the sliced clearance found Francis Okoronkwo, who smashed the ball home.
However, two more goals for the home side in the last 10 minutes sent the Blues home licking their wounds
Everton U21s: Leban, Higgins (70' Barker), John, Welch, Campbell, Anderson, Mills (86' Heath), Quirk [Y:48'], Okoronkwo, Price, Kouyate (70' Iversen).Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League 2, Game #14 Monday 23 January 2023 Amex Performance Centre, Brighton
An 83rd-minute goal from substitute Mackenzie Hunt gave Everton Under-21s a 2-1 Premier League 2 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.
Brighton took the lead in the 10th minute when the ball eluded keeper Zan-Luk Leban and nestled in the corner of the net.
But Leban made a number of great saves to keep Brighton at bay until Everton equalised when Kouyate swept the ball into the penalty area from the left and Kyle John at the far post headed home.
In the final stages, Kyle John won possession on the Everton right and, when the ball was worked infield, Hunt slammed it past the keeper for a precious winner.
Everton U21s: Leban, John, I Samuels-Smith, Welch, Anderson [Y:88'], Campbell [Y:33'], Apter (64' Iversen), Bates (71' Higgins), Okoronkwo [Y:90+3'], Barker (71' Hunt), Kouyate. Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon.
Premier League 2; Game #15 Friday 27 January 2023 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s drew at home to Fulham when they took on the Londoners in Premier League 2 this evening, Southport.
This game saw the Young Blues back on home ground after two very good away wins on the South Coast at Southampton and Brighton last week.
Katia Kouyate struck early on, giving the Blues the lead after just 4 minutes. But Fulham came back to equalize after 19 minutes.
There were no more goals, the second half being a stalemate against equally matched sides
Everton U21s: Leban, John [Y:81'], Hunt, Welch, Campbell, I Samuels-Smith. Apter, Bates (46' Iversen), Okoronkwo, Barker (61' Higgins), Kouyate.
Subs: Barrett, Mallon, Heath.
Premier League 2, Game #16 Saturday 11 February 2023 Leigh Sports Village, Leigh
Everton U21s travel down the East Lancs Road to a big defeat in today's Premier League 2 encounter with Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village.
A season of mixed fortunes continues for Paul Tait's Blues, who come off a fine midweek victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Premier League International Cup to counterbalance a humbling defeat last weekend at the hands of Bristol City that dumped them out of this season's Premier League Cup.
The home side took a 2-goal lead in the first half but Everton clawed back one goal before the break through Liam Higgins who latched onto a loose ball at the back post and fired into the back of the net.
In the second half, Okoronkwo hit over when he might well have equalized before Man Utd went further ahead. And they added a fourth goal to underline the size of the loss to this somewhat weakened young team.
Everton U21s: Leban, Higgins, Hunt [Y:85'], John, Campbell, I Samuels-Smith, Bates (87' Butler), Price, Okoronkwo, Apter, Kouyate (64' Heath). Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon, O Samuels-Smith.
Premier League 2; Game #17 Friday 17 February 2023 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s played out a draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Haig Avenue on Friday night with James Garner and Nathan Patterson getting playing time as part of their rehabilitation after lengthy injury absences from the first team.
Stanley Mills capitalised on a goalkeeping error to put the young Blues ahead after just 2 minutes. But the visitors got stronger as the half progressed, equalizing with half-an-hour gone.
There would be no more goals, with Patterson and then Garner being withdrawn in the second half after each had got in over an hour of competitive football.
Everton U21s: Leban, Patterson (64' Apter), I Samuels-Smith [Y:51'], Welch, Campbell, Garner (72' Bates), Higgins (85' Dixon/Quintyne), Mills (86' Kouyate), Okoronkwo, Price, Hunt.
Subs not Used: Graham.
Premier League 2, Game #18 Saturday 25 February 2023 City Academy Stadium, Manchester
Everton U21s were walloped at Manchester City Academy Stadium in their PL2 encounter this afternoon.
Despite showing good form against European teams in the Premier League International Cup, Everton U21s came into this game with only one win in the last 7 games in Premier League 2.
And Sean Dyche was not watching this one, nor were any online streamers, as it clashed with today's Premier League fixtures for the senior teams.
Sean McAllister returned after a long injury absence but came off at half-time.
Everton went behind on the stroke of half-time and conceded another four goals in a disastrous second half.
Everton U21s: Leban, Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Metcalfe [Y:57'] (71' Higgins), John, Welch, Hunt (19' Heath), Price, Mills [Y:55'], McAllister (46' Kouyate), Okoronkwo.
Subs not Used: Barrett, Mallon.
Premier League 2; Game #19 Suniday 5 March 2023 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s couldn't lay a glove on Crystal Palace at Haig Avenue in Southport this afternoon, going down to a goal in the 79th minute.
Paul Tait's youngsters have suffered a bit of a reality check on the back of two big defeats last week, losing 5-0 at the City Academy, followed by the 3-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the midweek quarter-final of the Premier League International Cup.
Today's visitors sit in 4th place on the back of three draws last month after they too were beaten 5-0 by Manchester City in January. There will be no live streaming because the match overlaps with the senior side's Premier League encounter at the City Ground in Nottingham.
But the young Blues could not make any impression on the scoresheet, going down to a late goal from the visitors.
Everton U21s: Leban, Patterson, I Samuels-Smith, Welch, Campbell, Metcalfe (55' Butterfield), Higgins, Price [Y:20'], Okoronkwo, Heath (56' Kouyate), McAllister.
Subs not Used: Barrett, John, Bates.
Premier League 2, Game #20 Saturday 25 February 2023 Kingsmeadow
After suffering their first defeat for 5 months in Premier League 2, Everton U21s got back on the unbeaten track with a draw against Chelsea at the Cherry Red Records Stadium (aka Kingsmeadow) in Kingston-upon-Thames tonight.
The home side scored early on with Katia Kouyate tying the score in added time before the break. And that's the way it stayed until the end.
Everton U21s: Leban [Y:84'], John, I Samuels-Smith, Welch, Campbell, Butterfield (67' Iversen), Higgins (67' Ebere), Price [Y:55'], Okoronkwo (85' Sherif), McAllister, Kouyate (84' Heath).
Subs not Used: Barrett.
2014-15 saw the introduction of The Premier League International Cup. The tournament was cancelled in 20-21 because of the Covid-19 Pandemic and did not take place last season.
This season, The format for the 22-23 edition is new and sees teams split into three groups of eight. All games are to be staged in England and matches are only played between cross-continental opposition. The 2022-23 Premier League International Cup is the Premier League's continental competition for development teams. But it hasn't been contested for the last two seasons because of Covid. The format for the 22-23 edition is new and sees teams split into three groups of eight, with four English Category A Development sides pitted against European U21 sides. All games are to be staged in England and matches are only played between cross-continental opposition. The winners of each group, plus the two best-placed runners-up, advance to the quarter-finals.
Premier League International Cup; Group C, Game #1 Tuesday 13 September 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s produced an excellent display to beat Sporting Braga 5-0 tonight in a resumption of the Premier League International Cup.
Everton took the lead after just 4 minutes through Sebastian Quirk with a great finish after a strong run by Stanley Mills. After 17 minutes, Sean McAllister broke clear and fed the ball to Mills who cut inside the Braga full-back and fired past the keeper to make it 2-0. Just 5 minutes later, Braga try to play out from the back but Price nipped in to steal the ball and place a neat finish past the keeper. 3-0
Agreat corner from Price, drilled across the edge of the box and met with a sumptuous first-time volley from McKenzie Hunt. Goal of the Season contender. 4-0
It was after the hour mark when Charlie Whitaker ran at the Braga defence and made half a yard for himself before dispatching a low shot into the bottom corner. 5-0
Tempers flared after a poor challenge by Santos on Whitaker, sparking a mass brawl by the half-way line with both sets of players wading in. After much deliberation with his assistants, the referee showed Santos a straight red card. Joe Anderson was booked for his involvement - even though he'd already been subbed.
Everton U21s: Leban, John (61' Mallon), Hunt, Welch, Anderson [Y:81'] (61' Campbell [Y:75']), McAllister (69' Djankpata [Y:86']), Mills (61' Kouyate), Price, Cannon (69' Okoronkwo), Whitaker, Quirk. Subs not Used: Barrett, Heath.
Premier League International Cup; Group C, Game #2 Tuesday 25 October 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
Everton U21s took the lead in the 15th-minute when a left-wing cross from Isaac Price was headed home by Charlie Whitaker.
Midway through the first half, Mackenzie Hunt volleyed an Isaac Price corner just wide and then Francis Okoronkwo wasn’t too far away with a volley of his own from a Kyle John centre.
The second goal was a beauty. Okoronkwo twisted and turned into a fragment of free space on the edge of the box before curling an unstoppable shot past the Hertha keeper.
Price came close early in the second half with a low shot from distance before Joe Anderson crashed home the third Everton goal from close-range after Hertha failed to clear a corner.
Okoronkwo was then thwarted by Leon Cuk in the Hertha goal when he was clean through, and the visitors narrowed the deficit with 8 minutes to go when Teoman Gunduz sent Zan Luk Leban the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Substitute Stanley Mills restored the three-goal cushion in added time with a fine low finish from the edge of the box.
Everton U21s: Leban, John (64' Mallon), Hunt (64' Campbell), Welch, Anderson, Quirk [Y:36'], Djankpata (64' Mills), Price, Okoronkwo, Whitaker (74' Higgins), Kouyate (67' McAllister).Subs not Used: Barrett, Cannon
Premier League International Cup; Group C, Game #3 Tuesday 9 November 2022 Walton Hall Park
It was the visitors that opened the scoring but Everton equalized after the half-hour through Tom Cannon after being set up by Stan Mills. The pair combined again just before half-time, Mills fouled for a penalty that Cannon converted.
And it stayed that way in the second half for Everton to secure a third win and top Group C.
Everton U21s: Leban, Dixon, I Samuels-Smith (75' Campbell), Welch, Anderson, Ouirk, Mills (62' Okoronkwo), Price, Cannon (62' Kouyate), Whitaker, Hunt (79' Heath).Subs not Used: Barrett, Djankpata, Barker.
The 2022-23 Premier League Cup is the ninth campaign of the knockout cup competition following the launch of EPPP. The Premier League Cup is contested initially in 4-team groups of Category A Development sides, playing home and away. The top two teams from each of the eight groups progress to the knockout stages, with one-off ties from the last 16 through to the final to determine the champions. Everton U23s were drawn against Southampton, Birmingham City and Colchester United in Group F of the Premier League Cup for 2022-23.
Premier League Cup; Group F, Game #1 Sunday 13 November 2022 Walton Hall Park
Ben Godfrey is in the side as his recovery from injury progresses,. Billy Crellin makes a rare start in goal.
Isaac Price put Everton ahead in the first half. But Southampton came back to tie the game after the Blues had given the ball away in midfield. And Everton were behind when the same player rattled in another crisp finish by the statuesque Crellin flowing a slick series of passes in a swift forward move downfield for the Saints.
Whitaker was the victim of a very heavy collision that might have done his knee in, and had to be substituted. Everton struggled to counter as Southampton took a firm grip on the tie, Seb Quirk getting a second yellow card near the end. Then, Isaac Price was shown a straight red, presumably for something he said to the referee.
Everton U21s: Crellin, Dixon/Quintyne, I Samuels-Smith, Godfrey (57' Campbell), Anderson (83' Tierney), Quirk [Y:52';YR:88'], Kouyate (69' Heath), Price [R:90'], Okoronkwo, Whitaker (70' Djankpata), Hunt.Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League Cup; Group F, Game #2 Friday 25 November 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
Ben Godfrey got 75 minutes' worth of action under his belt when he turned out for Everton's U21s today as he continues to work his way back from the leg fracture he suffered on the opening day of the season.
The defender was involved as the development side were held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham City U21s in the Premier League Cup.
Striker Francis Okoronkwo opened the scoring at Haig Avenue but the visitors hit back late on when Pharrell Williams grabbed an equaliser.
Everton U21s: Barrett, Dixon/Quintyne, Hunt, Godfrey (76' Tierney), Campbell [Y:74'], Apter (42' Kouyate), Heath (82' Bates), Djankpata, Okoronkwo, Barker, Ebere (46' Higgins).Subs not Used: Gibson.
Premier League Cup; Group F, Game #3 Saturday 3 December 2022 Liberty Way, Nuneaton
Everton U21s lost to a last-minute goal from Birmingham City as games in Group F of the Premier League Cup continue.
Everton U21s: Leban (62' Barrett), Heath, Anderson [Y:46'] (64' Hunt), Welch, Campbell, Quirk, Mills (64' Okoronkwo), Djankpata (64' Kouyate), Cannon [Y:43'] (64' Apter), Barker, I Samuels-Smith.Subs all used.
Premier League Cup; Group F, Game #4 Tuesday 6 December 2022 Haig Avenue, Southport
At the half-way stage in a rash of Premier League Cup games, Everton U21s were looking to turn things around as they sit at the bottom of Group F on just 1 point from three games. They took on Colchester Utd at home tonight and smashed seven goals past them with a hat-trick for Katia Kouyate in a very strong display.
Everton started in a ferocious manner and stormed into a 4-0 lead before half-time thanks to goals from Tom Cannon, Katia Kouyate (2) and Mackenzie Hunt.
Kouyate and Cannon added to their tallies after half-time while Isaac Price rounded off what was an excellent performance from Tait’s side.
Everton U21s: Leban (62' Barrett), Higgins (55' Heath), Campbell, Welch, Anderson, Coughlan (76' Smikle-James), Kouyate, Djankpata (61' Butterfield), Cannon, Price, Hunt (76' O Samuels-Smith).Subs all Used.
Premier League Cup; Group F, Game #5 Tuesday 20 December 2022 Wallace Binder, Malldon
Everton U21s were held to a draw by Colchester Utd thanks to a late goal given away 3 minutes from the end of normal time at Wallace Binder in Maldon this afternoon.
This game was in Group F of the Premier League Cup, with Everton having won the return fixture 2 weeks earlier by the very impressive scoreline of 7-2.
The young Blues started well when the improving striker, Katia Kouyate, put Everton ahead in the 15th minute.
However, with less than 5 minutes remaining of normal time, the home side stole an equaliser from a scramble in the box to rescue a point.
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Hunt, Welch, Anderson (59' I Samuels-Smith), Campbell [Y:37'], Higgins (59' Heath), Butterfield (59' Djankpata), Okoronkwo (74' Sherif [Y:81']), Quirk, Kouyate.Subs not Used: Barrett.
Premier League Cup; Group F, Game #6 Wednesday 18 January 2023 Staplewood Training Ground in Southampton
Paul Tait's Under-21 side travel to the Staplewood Training Ground in Southampton to secure a vital win in today's final Premier League Cup group game.
And it was all square at the break after the Blues made the breakthrough with a goal from Ishe Samuels-Smith on 17 minutes. But two quick goals a few minutes later saw the Saints turn things around.
However, Katia Kouyate restored the balance in added time before the break, with Sam Barrett replacing Zan-Luk Leban in goal for the second half.
And the Blues got what would be the winning goal through Francis Okoronkwo inside the first 10 minutes of the half.
So Everton sit in 2nd place behind Southampton in the Group F table, awaiting the final group game between Birmingham City and Colchester United.
If, as seems likely, Everton hold on to 2nd place in Group F, they will qualify for the knock-out stages, starting with the Round of 16.
Everton U21s: Leban (46' Barrett), Higgins (66' Hunt), Samuels-Smith, John, Anderson [Y:28'], Campbell [Y:69'] (70' Heath), Apter, Bates, Okoronkwo [Y:74'], Barker (78' Beaumont-Clark), Kouyate (85' Mallon).Subs all Used.
Premier League Cup; Round of 16 Sunday 5 February 2023 Robins High Performance Centre, Bristol
The Premier League Cup enters its knock-out phase with Everton U21s unable to beat their Bristol City counterparts today at Robins High Performance Centre.
Bristol City topped Group E with wins against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle Utd, thus earning home advantage in today's Round of 16 clash.
The Young Blues' form has been impacted by a season of constant change and evolution, with the recent departures of Tom Cannon on loan while Joe Anderson and Seb Quirk have made permanent moves to Sunderland and Accrington Stanley respectively.
Also, long-term injuries to McAllister and Whitaker have been a blow, while Mills and Price have missed games presumably through the need to support the first-team squad. Djankpata has also played no games so far this year – presumably injured, while Butterfield, Iversen and Mallon have made stuttering returns to the squad after long-term injuries.
Even so, Paul Tait is able to field a pretty strong team, although Jack Barrett makes a very rare start in goal… and the Blues are behind inside just 2 minutes. And they concede a second inside 10 minutes.
The Everton lads were able to steady the ship somewhat with no further damage until half-time, and got back into the reckoning with a goal from Francis Okoronkwo a few minutes after the restart.
But the Young Blues were unable to secure an equalizer in the second half and crashed out of this season's Premier League Cup.
Everton U21s: Barrett, Higgins, Hunt, John (76' O Samuels-Smith), Campbell, I Samuels-Smith, Heath, Iversen [Y:18'] (27' Bates), Okoronkwo, Apter (76' Beaumont-Clark), Kouyate [Y:15'].
Subs not Used: Leban, Mallon.
Everton U21s were drawn against Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United, and Morecambe in North Group A of the EFL Trophy for 2022-23.
EFL Trophy; Group A, Game #1 Tuesday 30 August 2022 Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe
The Blues trailed 2-1 at half-time due to goals from Jensen Weir - son of former Everton captain David Weir - and Caleb Watts, either side of Sean McAllister’s equaliser.
In the penalty shootout, Cannon, Okoronkwo, Price, Kouyate, Anderson and Warrington were all on target, but Hunt and Campbell missed giving the home side an extra point.
Everton U21s: Crellin, Campbell, John [Y:90+2'], Hunt, Anderson, Warrington, Quirk (71' Kouyate), Price [Y:45+1'], Whitaker (70' Okoronkwo), McAllister (76' Djankpata), Cannon. Subs not Used: Leban, Mallon, I Samuels-Smith, Barker.
EFL Trophy; Northern Group A, Game #2 [2-4 on penalties] Tuesday 4 October 2022 EnvrioVent Stadium, Harrogate
Everton U21s travel to Harrogate this evening where they eventually won their second game in Group A of this season's Papa John's EFL Trophy on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time.
Everton had to defend an onslaught of 5 corners in the first 10 minutes only to score in their first attack, Stan Mills controlling the ball well before slotting it clinically along the ground and past the keeper into the Harrogate net.
And that's how it stayed past half-time but the home side eventually equalized with a rather soft finish from close range that went in under Zan-Luk Leban.
And the home side created a slew of guilt-edged chances to force a win as Everton faded and penalties loomed, although Cannon had a great chance to win it at the death, saved by the Harrogate keeper.
In the penalty shoot-out, Everton got the win 4-2 and the extra point, Cannon, Price, Mills, and Quirk scoring with Leban saving one, while Okoronkwo's poor effort was also saved.
Everton U21s: Leban, Mallon (56' Dixon/Quintyne), Campbell, Welch, Price, I Samuels-Smith (76' Hunt), Quirk, Mills, Whitaker, Cannon, Kouyate (63' Okoronkwo).Subs not Used: Barrett, Anderson, Djankpata, Heath
Papa John's EFL Trophy; Northern Group A, Game #3 Tuesday 18 October 2022 Victoria Park, Hartlepool
Everton U21s travelled to County Durham for their third and final group game in the Papa John's (EFL) Trophy, against Hartlepool Utd, and walked off with a very impressive six-goal victory that puts them into the next round.
Tom Cannon registered the opener after a nice move.
Mackenzie Hunt added the second after 20 minutes
The Hartlepool keeper made a mistake for Everton's third goal, Stan Mills scoring after 28 minutes.
Tom Cannon registered the fourth goal of the night with a wonderful effort.
Stan Mills got his second and Everton's fifth after 53 minutes
Charlie Whittaker rounded off the scoring, slotting the 6th goal on 71 minutes.
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Welch, Anderson, I Samuels-Smith (62' Campbell), Hunt (62' Okoronkwo), Mills (61' Kouyate), Quirk, McAllister (62' Djankpata), Whitaker, Cannon (78' Mallon).Subs not Used: Barrett.
Attendance: 1,247
Premier League Cup; Round of 32 Wednesday 30 November 2022 Goodison Park
A soft early goal given up in the first 10 minutes set the tone for a game here Everton's youngsters looked increasingly outplayed by their elders and betters on the other side, and they never looked like scoring an equalizer in normal time.
But that changed dramatically in added time with not one but two goals to win the tie, knock out Mansfield Town and secure a game in the Round of 16 at Lincoln City.
As the game entered 4 minutes of stoppage time, half-time substitute Liam Higgins made a busting run from deep to meet a clever flick from Tom Cannon on the edge of the box. The 19-year-old took one touch before rifling his shot into the top corner.
Creator Cannon then turned scorer and match-winner just 2 minutes later, latching onto a great through ball from Quirk before slotting home superbly to secure a dramatic last-minute win.
Everton U21s: Leban, Godfrey, Welch, Anderson, Dixon/Quintyne (46' Higgins), Mills (82' Barker), Quirk, Hunt (70' I Samuels-Smith), Price, Okoronkwo (82' Kouyate), Cannon. Subs not Used: Barrett, Campbell, Djankpata.
Papa John's EFL Trophy; Round of 16 Tuesday 13 December 2022 LNER Stadium, Lincoln
Everton Under-21s were beaten by Lincoln City in the Round of 16 with the young Blues failing to reach the quarter-finals of the Papa John's EFL Trophy.
After going behind in the first half, Everton turned the game around on the back of Okoronkwo replacing Owen Barker at half-time and soon getting on the scoresheet thanks to an assist from Cannon.
And 2 minutes later, Everton went ahead through a great goal created by Okoronkwo with an excellent pass from inside the centre circle to the advancing Cannon who hit it first time into the roof of the net from the edge of the Imps area – a quite excellent goal!
But the joy was short-lived when the home side were awarded a dubious penalty that was converted, setting up a challenging contest for the rest of the second half.
But the next goal was crucial, however, and it went to Lincoln City after their goalkeeper was allowed to clear a long way downfield and the crossed ball was turned in by an untracked Imp at the far post.
Everton were denied an obvious penalty and had some good shots saved before Leban went up to help the threat from a late corner, then a free-kick, and was stranded upfield when the ball was cleared and Lincoln City scored an easy fourth goal with the final kick of the game.
Everton U21s: Leban, John [Y:67'] (82' Higgins), Welch, Anderson, Hunt, Quirk [Y:34'], Price (66' Butterfield), Kouyate (66' I Samuels-Smith), Barker (46' Okoronkwo), Mills, Cannon.Subs not Used: Barrett, Campbell, Djankpata.
Pre-season friendly; Game #1 Saturday 16 July 2022 Nethermoor Park, Guiseley
Everton Under-21s started their pre-season games with a win at Guiseley.
The Blues took the lead before half-time via Kyle John.
Eli Campbell made it 2-0 on 84 minutes. Guiseley came back with a goal 3 minutes later but Matty Apter made sure with another Everton goal on 90 mins.
Everton U21s: Lonergan (60' Barrett), John, Hunt, Mallon (60' Tierney), Anderson (60' Campbell), Butterfield (60' Samuels-Smith), Quirk (60' Jagne), Onyango (60' Heath), Cannon (60' Djankpata), McAllister (60' Apter), Whitaker (60' Ebere).Subs: All used
Pre-season friendly; Game #2 Saturday 30 July 2022 The Pure Stadium, Southport
Everton U21s won their second and final pre-season friendly at Southport this afternoon, with Stan Mills getting a hat-trick.
Everton got a penalty after just 4 minutes when Mills was brought down. The young star got up and duly slotted home.
Just 8 minutes later and Everton had a second, Tom Cannon tapping in a cross at the back post.
Stan Mills got Everton's third goal after the half-hour mark and then finished things off in the second half, to complete his hat-trick.
Probable Everton line-up is based on visual identification as the club has declined to provide a teamsheet. No details of subs are available.
Everton U21s: Leban, John, Mallon, Price, Welch, Campbell, Butterfield, Warrington, Mills, Cannon, Whitaker.
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