Attacking Play Pleases Everton u21 coach David Unsworth

David Unsworth was full of praise for the attacking threat his side constantly posed in their pre-season victory over Wrexham.

A Kieran Dowell brace coupled with Joe Williams’ goal helped the young Blues edge a tightly contested game at the Racecourse Ground.

And Unsworth was pleased to see the attacking side to his team developing nicely.

“The three goals we scored were absolutely top drawer,” he said. “Some of our attacking play, particularly in the first half, was a joy to watch. We were sat on the bench applauding for much of the first 45 minutes.

“I thought Kieran Dowell was outstanding. The positions he picked up, the way he took his goals, he controlled all of our attacking moves – he was great to watch.”

There were, of course, lessons to be learned from the contest, and with both Wrexham goals coming from set-plays, Unsworth was also happy to see his youngsters pick up valuable experience.

“I spoke to the young lads after the game about it,” he said of the goals. “We had two young centre halves who are straight out of the Academy and not really used to men’s football.

“They need to learn and learn quick that its not all about playing from the back and looking good in possession, it’s the about the ugly side of the game and something that don’t usually come up against on a Saturday playing for the Under-18s. Long balls over the top, balls into the box, putting yourself in positions where you might get hurt – it was a great learning curve for them.

“But the result sets us up nicely for Ireland. We have had three good wins now, along with our game in Austria and Burscough, but it’s the manner of our play that excites me the most. It’ll be a tough trip but its what they need.”

The Under-21s will now head for Ireland to face both Bohemians and Glenavon.