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Post by Everton News. on Feb 17, 2023 22:21:15 GMT
Despite an early goal for the young Blues, Everton Under-21s had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s at Haig Avenue in the Premier League 2.
Paul Tait's team earned the lead after just two minutes when Stanley Mills capitalised on a goalkeeping error to fire the Toffees in front.
However, Spurs fought back, and a smart header from Alfie Devine equalised for the visitors.
An uneventful second half left both teams with a point apiece after a well-fought and closely contested 90 minutes.
The result, although not a win, is an improvement for Everton, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat against Manchester United last weekend.
Watched on by Sean Dyche in the stands, Everton fielded a strong team, featuring James Garner and Nathan Patterson. Both were looking to step up their recoveries ahead of returning to first-team football.
Everton began the game brilliantly, as Stanley Mills put the Blues into a 1-0 lead inside the first two minutes of the game.
Tottenham goalkeeper, Josh Keeley, was pressed by Francis Okoronkwo. Keeley then made a poor clearance straight to Mills, who ruthlessly found the back of the net from just inside the penalty area.
After such a positive start, Everton continued to impress, looking comfortable in possession, and pressing energetically off the ball.
The 14th minute saw Nathan Patterson play a driven ball across the edge of the box, finding Isaac Price, who couldn’t quite control his shot, which flew over the bar.
Despite Everton’s strong start, Spurs grew into the game. Just 20 minutes in, Jude Soonsup-Bell’s wide shot was followed up by Alfie Devine narrowly missing the target after spinning and firing the ball across goal.
The pressure then paid off for the visitors in the 29th minute. Romaine Mundle whipped in a free-kick, finding Alfie Devine whose glancing header flicked past Zan-Luk Leban at the near post to make it 1-1.
Soon after conceding, Leban was called into action, making a strong save to stop Alfie Devine from scoring again.
Francis Okoronkwo had a great chance to put Everton in front after 40 minutes, but he failed to capitalise on another Josh Keeley error, smashing the ball high and wide.
Another impressive stop from Leban managed to keep out Kallum Cesay’s volleyed effort, and this concluded an entertaining first half.
Although appearing to threaten at the beginning of the second half, Spurs didn’t create many opportunities with their large share of possession.
After more than an hour of football, Nathan Patterson was taken off after 64 minutes, being replaced by Matthew Apter.
A scrappier second half saw the game fail to find a rhythm, with both sides guilty of playing loose balls and misplaced passes.
Nevertheless, the young Blues continued to defend resolutely to stay in the game, while pushing for a winner themselves through the occasional fast-paced counter-attack.
However, both teams’ efforts to find a victory were unsuccessful, and the second half finished how it started, with both teams on one goal to seal a 1-1 draw.
Everton Under-21s face another tough test next weekend, as they travel to take on Manchester City Under-21s on Saturday.
Everton FC
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