David Henen on target as Everton U21s enjoy winning start

David Henen on target as Everton U21s enjoy winning start to pre-season

New permanent signing scores as young Blues earn 3-1 victory at Burscough



Everton under-21s began their pre-season preparations in winning fashion with victory at Burscough.

A team including new permanent signing David Henen secured an ultimately comfortable 3-1 success at Victoria Park.

Sam Byrne, trialist Greg Hurst and Harry Charsley netted for David Unsworth’s visitors after Will Jones had equalised for the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier side.

Unsworth handed run-outs to 21 members of his playing squad in front of a crowd of 369 that included Joe Royle and Duncan Ferguson.

Everton enjoyed the early pressure and, after Ryan Ledson had fired over from range, Byrne tucked away a left-wing cross on the quarter-hour for the opener.

Byrne went close again shortly afterwards with a header before Blues goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek was forced into his first serious action by holding a Wade Joyce free-kick.

Henen brought the best out of Burscough keeper Sebsatian Usai with an angled shot but the hosts were level on 37 minutes when Jones netted from eight yards.

The lively Henen came close before the break before a much-changed Everton side took to the field after the interval.

Both sides traded chances, Stanek saving from goalscorer Jones with Hurst was denied by Usai.

The young Blues, though, made the game safe with two goals in as many minutes.

They regained the lead 15 minutes from time when Hurst was first to reach a near-post corner, before fellow substitute Charsley’s precise finish extended the advantage.

There was still time for Stanek to save well from Burscough skipper Anthony Jones, and Unsworth will be pleased with the opening efforts from his players.

Everton (first half): Stanek, Kenny, Bainbridge, Connolly, Robinson, Ledson, Williams, Davies, Dowell, Byrne, Henen.

(second half): Stanek, Jones, Kenny (Thorniley 60), Connolly (Graham 60), Yates, Walsh, Davies (Junior 60), Charsley, Donohue, Dyson, Hurst.

Echo