Everton U18s 2 Man Utd U18s 1

Everton had to come from a goal down after United took the lead on ten minutes through Mats Daehli. Conor Grant levelled for the Toffees early in the second half before Hallam Hope struck ten minutes from time to give the blues all 3 points despite a scare late on.

Kevin Sheedy was looking for a positive finish to the season after 2 previous defeats. In came Tyias Browning and John Lundstram in expense for Oliver Shannon and Anton Forrester who were on the bench and George Waring replaced Chris Long who was not included in the squad.
As in the previous 2 home games the wind was always going to be a nuisance on a bitterly cold but bright morning at Finch Farm.

Manchester United looked the livelier of the two teams with Periera testing Fitzgibbon early on before the visitors took the lead on ten minutes.

Sam Byrne set off with a run down the left who then found the Norwegian Daehli who beat Fitzgibbon from the edge of the box which was well executed.

Everton responded instantly with a promising move with Hope sprinting down the left, he played a ball across to Waring who was unfortunate not to connect as the move deserved a reward.

It was United that were posing the danger with the United keeper Gollini rarely troubled apart from a Conor Grant free kick which he dealt well with.

Gollini dealt with an Everton move after Hammar had played a long ball over the top to Hope but he was second best being outwitted by Gollini.

A Tom Molyneux run towards the end of the first half was very pleasing to see with his “never say die” attitude, he went to the byline and tussled with his opponent and looked to have lost possession but Tom never gave up and his determination showed as he played the ball into the area unfortunately Waring could not finish.

Hammar almost equalised for the blues only to be denied by a great reflex save from Gollini after Grant delivered a free kick.

HALF TIME EVERTON U18’S 0 MANCHESTER UNITED U18’S 1

A brighter start to the second half by Everton a John Lundstram effort hit the bar then Everton finally got an equaliser as Grant found time and space to give the outstretched Gollini no chance .

United were unlucky as some good stern Everton defending denied blocking a shot from substitute Tom Lawrence making a return after a long absence through injury.

The wind was cruelly was making a mockery of the game with chances few and far between not for the want of trying by both teams.

Kevin Sheedy sent on Green and Jones to liven things up and on 80 minutes a Tyias Browning run pacing himself down the right hand side found Hope who despatched beautifully sending Gollini the wrong way.

Hope was denied a further goal only for a brave stop by Gollini and at the other end United almost drew level as Pennington nearly put through his own goal after pressure from United full back Grimshaw.

The Everton U16’s lost at home to Blackpool by 5 goals to 1

FULL TIME EVERTON U18’S 2 MANCHESTER UNITED U18’S 1

Team: Fitzgibbon, Browning, Johns, Pennington (c), Hammar, Molyneux, Orenuga (Jones, 75) Lundstram, Hope. Waring (Green 55), Grant. Unused Subs Springthorpe (GK), Forrester, Shannon

Coach : Kevin Sheedy

Man Utd: Gollini; Grimshaw, Ioannou, McCullough, Blackett; Daehli, Pearson, Rothwell, Pereira (Wilkinson 86), van Velzen (Wilson 71); Byrne (Lawrence 71). Subs not used: Jacob, Rudge.

Coach: Paul McGuinness

Match Officials Ref Mr L Barnett Assistants Mr M Herzog and Mr I Hegarty

Thanks to forum member Alan Ball for this report.