Everton’s first team may have endured a weekend to forget, but for the U18s it was a different story altogether.
Kevin Sheedy’s side secured local bragging rights in the first Merseyside derby of the season, winning 4-1 at Kirkby on Saturday morning.
Two goals apiece from Antony Evans and Daniel Bramall did the damage for the free-scoring Blues, who have now netted 13 times in their last three games.
Following a slow start to the season Everton are back in business, and Sheedy says he was delighted with his side’s showing on Saturday.
“It was a good performance from the boys,” he told the ECHO. “We had to work hard for it, but they put a lot in and I thought it was a thoroughly deserved victory.
“We had a game plan to sit back and hit them on the counter attack, and we did that well. We looked a real threat going forward.
“We got four goals in the end but we could have had even more. It’s very pleasing when you get a game like that.
“We had a slow start to the season, losing our first three games, but we were without a few of our key players. We’ve had them back for the last couple of games and you’ve seen how well we’ve done.”
Everton’s attacking prowess stood out a mile against Liverpool, but Sheedy believes the victory owed as much to a solid midfield display.
“I thought our two lads in there, Jack Kiersey and Beni Baningime, stood out,” he said. “They gave us the platform to go and control the game. I was very pleased with both.
“You don’t like to single players out – and it was a real team performance – but Beni had a very good game, which was summed up by the run he made for our fourth goal.”
Sheedy believes the example of Tom Davies, who has gone from U18s prospect to first-teamer in the space of 12 months, is a good one for his young charges to follow.
Already this season, the likes of Baningime and Evans have turned out for David Unsworth’s U23 side, and Blues Academy staff are quietly enthused about a number of other prospects emerging at Finch Farm.
“That’s what it’s all about, trying to make players for the first team,” Sheedy said. “It was great last season that we had people like Tom who stepped up and made their mark. And yes, he is someone that young players can look at and take inspiration from.
“We always say at Everton that this is a club where young players will be given a chance if they are good enough. We’ve seen that with Tom, Kieran Dowell and players before that. It’s about working hard and putting yourself in the frame.”
He added: “The way the U23 league has been restructured, and with the club participating in the Checkatrade Trophy this season, there will be chances to get your name out there. It’s up to the players to take those chances.
“We’ve got some good talent coming through, but it’s about the application and keeping on working. That’s what we have to make sure.”
By Neil Jones / Echo
