Everton U21s 2 – 3 Blackburn Rovers U21s
Arnaut Danjuma played the full game but could do little to help Everton U21s overcome a determined Blackburn Rovers side in Southport tonight.
The youngsters huffed and puffed without creating much threat, but allowing the visitors to get stronger and stronger until they walked the ball into the Everton net for the first goal.
But Everton responded in fine style, Tyler Onyango putting in a great run down the right side and cutting inside to feed Charlie Whitaker who smashed it into the roof of the net to make it 1-1 at the break.
But the Rovers continued to look dangerous and drilled home a second goal after the hour mark. Everton tried to respond but Metcalfe’s driven free-kick was parried away.
But 10 minutes from the end, Katia Koutyate was put through and managed to prod it past the goalkeeper despite him getting a strong hand to it that saw the ball bobble over the goalline.
Jack Tierney came on for his first appearance of the season, presumably after being out with a serious injury for many months. But a poor clearance from Welch was volleyed into the top corner for Blackburne to take all the points, with Arnaut Danjuma playing the full 90 minutes.
Everton U21s: Barnsley, Dixon, John (84′ Tierney), Welch [Y:67′], Onyango (66′ Jones), Metcalfe [Y:41′], Whitaker (66′ Beaumont-Clark), Armstrong, Kouyate, Danjuma, Djankpata [Y:24′] (90+1′ Bates).
Subs not Used: G Pickford.