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Post by Everton News. on Apr 1, 2019 7:58:28 GMT
 Paul Tait said an uncharacteristic lack of ruthlessness in front of goal cost his Everton Under-18s team after they were edged out 1-0 by Liverpool at USM Finch Farm. The Toffees were the more progressive team for large periods but a 30th-minute strike from Jack Bearne saw the away side escape with three points. Everton slip to fourth in the U18 Premier League (North) table with three matches left to play. The young Blues are the top goalscorers in the division, but boss Tait said his team lacked a clinical edge in the derby clash. “We’re bitterly disappointed,” he said. "We’ve had three or four cracking chances in the first half and everything was working tactically. Ellis Simms had couple of good chances and Lewis Dobbin had an opportunity, too. “But they didn’t go in, and we didn’t defend well enough for their goal. “In the second half we dominated the game and the lads can’t believe we’ve not scored, but that’s the way it’s gone. "I can’t fault the lads’ effort though. We’re disappointed but you’ve got to try to see beyond the result in Under-18 football and look at the bigger picture - and that is we had got a lot of players on the pitch with real potential.” Next up for the Under-18s is a clash at Newcastle United next Saturday. Tait is confident his team boast the quality and character to bounce back straight away. “If we perform like we did against Liverpool I’m confident we can win our last three games of the season," he said. "The message to the players is to go and play on the front foot and replicate what you’ve done most of the season. "We had some good performances in the derby. "Joe Anderson was very composed and his playing out from the back was outstanding at times. Rhys Hughes was terrific in central midfield. "We had five first-year scholars playing and an Under-16 player, so that gives us hope for next season and hope for the future.” Everton FC |
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