Spurs 1-2 Everton u23 - 15th Jan 2018

Spurs 1-2 Everton u23

Everton Under-23s kicked off their New Year with a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday afternoon thanks to an Antony Evans brace.

After fixtures against Barnsley and Manchester City fell foul of the weather, the young Blues travelled to Enfield Training Centre to face Spurs, and started the contest brightly. Fraser Hornby was causing the home defence issues from the off - after only two minutes, Evans crossed for the forward but his shot flicked up off his boot as the ball skidded off the wet surface.

At the other end, Spurs had a chance of their own as Jaden Brown’s cross found the head of Kazaiah Sterling, however the ball flew harmlessly wide of Mateusz Hewelt’s left post. Afterwards, Everton started to control the game, Dennis Adeniran and Conor Grant – making his first appearance for the Toffees after a loan spell at Crewe - both finding space to pick passes throughout the half.

Hornby in particular was being a handful – Matty Foulds expertly picked him out but his header was saved by Alfie Whiteman, who then did even better to deny the Scottish youth international when he seized on a loose ball on the edge of the box.

On 32 minutes Everton thought they had taken the lead through striker Bassala Sambou, only for the linesman to judge the forward to be offside following a good run and shot from Nathan Broadhead.

Broadhead had another opportunity soon after as he met Nathangelo Markelo’s cross and, having done the hard work in taking it down, was left frustrated to see his shot sail over the bar to leave the scores level at the break.

After the break, the momentum of play was similar to that of the first half, Spurs having the majority of possession but with the Toffees looking the more dangerous. David Unsworth changed things up on the hour mark, bringing Jose Baxter on for Sambou.

Yet it was Spurs who snatched the opening goal, the ball finding its way to Jack Roles, who slotted past Hewelt on 68 minutes.

However, the Spurs goal seemed to provoke Everton into a reaction, and just 12 minutes later they were in front. First, substitute Baxter slid an excellent ball through to Evans who poked the ball past Whitehead for a deserved equaliser, then the young forward made space for himself on the right-hand side and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom corner, ensuring Everton started 2018 with a victory.

A first win since November under their belts, the Under-23s host Portsmouth in the Premier League Cup next week.

Everton FC