Everton U21s 2 – 1 Benfica U21s
Paul Tait’s charges carried on their unbeaten run in the Premier League International Cup with a narrow victory over the Portuguese side Benfica Under-21s at Walton Hall Park.
Reece Welch, who was recalled from a season-long loan at Forest Green Rovers earlier this month, starts the game along with Youssef Chermiti, Lewis Dobbin from the first team squad along with Ashley Young, as an allowed over-age player making his first appearance after a long period of recovery from a knee injury.
The visitors dominated the early game and went ahead but Sean McAllister got the home side on the scoresheet when his powerful low shot appeared to be cleared off the line but was signalled by the linesman to have crossed the line.
Just a few minutes later, Youssef Chermiti pounced on to a loose ball in defence and drove it through the goalkeeper’s legs. Everton continued to press and Dobbin was fouled for a penalty but the youngster drove the spot-kick over the bar.
Everton kept the pressure up for much of the first half after that but could not get the third goal.
The second half was a difficult watch with the Everton goal under almost constant siege but it proved to be a fine defensive display with the visitors unable to score and Everton progressing through to the quarterfinals after finishing 2nd in Group C.
Everton U21s: Crellin, Young (76′ Whitaker), Hunt, Welch [Y:88′], Campbell, Metcalfe, John, Djankpata [Y:64′] (76′ Kouyate), Chermiti, Dobbin, McAllister.
Subs not Used: Barnsley, Moonan, Bates.