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Post by rugbytoffee on Mar 5, 2018 18:29:54 GMT
Everton U23s: Mateusz Hewelt, Nathangelo Markelo, Lewis Gibson, Beni Baningime, Con Ouzounidis, Ramiro Funes Mori, Antony Evans (Capt), Davy Klaassen, Fraser Hornby, Bassala Sambou, Josh Bowler. Subs: Joe Hilton, David Henen, Shayne Lavery, Conor Grant, Alex Denny. Swans U23s: Gregor Zabret, Mael Davies, Aaron Lewis, Jack Evans, Cian Harries (Capt), Brandon Cooper, Daniel James, Adnan Marić, Courtney Baker-Richardson, George Byers, Jordon Garrick. Subs: Liam Cullen, Steven Benda, Botti Biabi, Marco Dulca, Joe Lewis
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Post by Everton News. on Mar 6, 2018 9:30:57 GMT
Goals from Antony Evans and Con Ouzounidis saw Everton beat Swansea 2-0 at Goodison Park on Monday night. Davy Klaassen and Ramiro Funes Mori both started for the young Blues, as Everton leap-frogged Swansea into fourth position in Premier League 2. Evans’ stunning free-kick gave Everton the lead on 22 minutes, before Ouzounidis made it 2-0 with just under a quarter of an hour left. After a cagey opening, it was Swansea who had the first real opening when striker Jordan Garrick broke clear on four minutes, but his shot was well saved by Blues keep Mateusz Hewelt. The Blues began to get a stranglehold in the game however, and had a penalty shout on 17 minutes when Ouzounidis went down after a scramble in the box following a corner – but the referee waved play on. Everton would get the breakthrough soon enough however. Evans was brought down by Swans midfielder Adnan Maric just outside the box - he stepped up to take the free-kick himself and swerved a stunning effort into the top corner. Swans keeper Gregor Zabret had no chance. The goal gave the Blues confidence and they went into half-time in control. David Unsworth's side had a scare just five minutes after the break however, when Courtney Baker-Richardson almost turned home after Hewelt fumbled a cross, but were for the most part comfortable with Funes Mori looking assured at centre-back. Swansea battled hard for an equaliser, and got into some threatening positions, but the Blues held firm without giving up any clear-cut chances. And when Ouzounidis headed Conor Grant’s superb free-kick delivery home, the points were safe. Botti Biabi’s acrobatic effort was as close as Swansea came to getting one back, but Unsworth’s men held out to secure three valuable points.
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Post by Everton News. on Mar 6, 2018 9:32:00 GMT
Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori relished his return to Goodison as he eyes a first-team comeback after playing 90 minutes for the Under-23s on Monday night. The Argentina international put in an assured performance on what was his 27th birthday as the young Blues saw off Swansea City 2-0 in Premier League 2. It was the first time Funes Mori had played at the Grand Old Lady since featuring against Hull City on 18 March last year, with a knee injury suffered shortly after that game keeping him out of action until last month. The centre-back made his long-awaited comeback for the Under-23s against Arsenal four weeks ago. And after coming through the full match against Swansea on Monday, he staked his claim for a place in Sam Allardyce's first-team squad for this weekend's Premier League visit of Brighton & Hove Albion. “It felt good to play back in Goodison, to feel the pitch, the stands - I really miss it so I’m very happy,” Funes Mori told evertonfc.com. “I’ve been training good these past weeks. Even though I wasn’t playing for the first team, I’ve been playing for the Under-23s to get the rhythm, get the tempo. I’m 100-per-cent fit to play and I’m ready for Saturday.” Funes Mori impressed as the young Blues kept a clean sheet against the Swans, his experience shining through as he played alongside 17-year-old Con Ouzounidis in the heart of defence. And the former River Plate man had words of praise for the Australian youth international, who netted the Blues’ second goal on the night. “I think he’s got a really good future,” said Funes Mori. “The Under-23s are good lads and they are very good players. To be part of the Under-23s you have to show respect. “I have to give my best for the respect of Unsy [boss David Unsworth] and all the staff, and do my best to show that I can play for the first team.“ Funes Mori’s confidence has also been boosted by a call-up by Argentina for their game against Italy at the Etihad Stadium on 23 March, as the defender eyes a place in their Word Cup squad. “I’m very satisfied that the manager has called me even though I haven’t played for the first team,” he said. “But I’m fit, I’m ready to play. I’m feeling good – hopefully I get my chance and go on from there.”
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Post by rugbytoffee on Mar 6, 2018 12:39:36 GMT
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Post by Avinalaff on Mar 6, 2018 14:45:50 GMT
Antony Evans looks a real talent.
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