Everton Under 23s step up their game to beat Manchester City

Everton entertained second placed Manchester City Under 23s in the Premier League 2 clash at Southport on Saturday afternoon. They must have been fearful following a poor run of form when they conceded a penalty after just three minutes. Thankfully it was blasted over the bar but they did go behind midway through the first half to a Kayky da Silva strike following a goalmouth scramble.

City had dominated proceedings but it’s maybe a sign of the Blues’ newfound resolve that they were able to hit back a minute before the interval. Yet again it was that man Tom Cannon who fired home for the third consecutive game.

Assistant manager John Ebbrell was certainly pleased -

“The goal before half-time was vital. It gave us some belief and we reset at half-time and scored two great goals in the second half. The lads had to show real character throughout and I thought they were terrific.”

In the 67th minute the Blues deservedly went ahead and It certainly wasn’t a blockbuster performance from the amusingly named City goalkeeper Cieran Slicker (City Slickers, anyone?). Stanley Mills hit the ball with some power against the post and the unfortunate City custodian fluffed his lines as the ball went in off him for an own goal.

The young Toffees put a bit of distance between the two sides with 12 minutes remaining as substitute Charlie Whitaker saw his shot squirm under the hapless Slicker to make it 3-1.

It wasn’t all plain sailing however as the second own goal of this action-packed game saw City draw almost level six minutes from time with Everton’s captain Ryan Astley being the unfortunate player on this occasion, but that’s how it ended, 3-2 to the Blues.

The three points from this game will hopefully do wonders for the confidence of the team as it lifts the Blues up to eleventh in the table. Next up are Brighton & Hove Albion after the international break on Monday 22nd November.