Title showdown for Everton under-18s v Manchester City

Title showdown for Everton under-18s v Manchester City

Kevin Sheedy's youngsters need one more win for glory


Everton FC youth coach Kevin Sheedy

KEVIN SHEEDY’S Everton Under-18s moved to within one win of claiming back to back Premier Academy titles after beating West Bromwich Albion 4-2 at the weekend.

The young Blues face Manchester City this weekend - knowing victory will ensure the Under-18 title for the second season in succession.

Goals against the Baggies from Nathan Broadhead, Arlen Birch, Daniel Bramall and Antony Evans left the Blues’ title hopes in their own hands.

“I’m very pleased with the performance,” said Sheedy. “It was a big pressure game for us and one that we had to win.

“I thought the players handled that situation very well against a very good West Brom side that were very dangerous.

“We put in a really good performance to win the game overall, we scored four excellent goals and I couldn’t be more pleased with the players’ effort, commitment and desire to win under extreme pressure.

“We need to go to Manchester City next weekend and get the win, which we are capable of doing. For the players’ development, to play in a big pressure game like that again can only get the best out of them.

“It’s now a big cup final for us next Saturday. We know we need to win and that’s the sort of pressure I want the players to be put under to see how they cope. Up to now, they’ve coped really well and I’m sure they’ll do the same next week.”

City came back from 3-0 down against FA Youth Cup winners Chelsea to snatch a 3-3 draw on Saturday.

08:41, 11 May 2015 By David Prentice / Echo