Everton u18 2-1 Blackburn - 12th Sep 2020

Everton u18 2-1 Blackburn - 12th Sep 2020

Paul Tait is convinced his talented Everton team will profit from the experience of overcoming an early hammer blow to beat Blackburn Rovers in the young Blues' first competitive match in six months.

Midfielder Sean McAllister (pictured) levelled in first-half stoppage time, finally giving Everton something tangible to show for their growing dominance after Blackburn had rocked the hosts when George Wyatt struck in the second minute.

Substitute Charlie Whitaker – on for the injured Tom Cannon – headed home with 22 minutes remaining at USM Finch Farm to ensure Everton claimed three points from their opening Under-18 Premier League fixture of the season.

Everton Under-18s' 2019/20 campaign was curtailed following the coronavirus outbreak and they hadn't played a game with points at stake since 10 March.

“There is nothing to compare with playing for three points and it was really nice to get back to Finch Farm and have a competitive game,” Tait told evertonfc.com.

“There were a few nerves, to be honest, some of the lads were really nervous before the game.

“We were tentative and that probably contributed to our poor start.

“But the way we recovered and took control of the game was one of the most pleasing things on the day.

“We equalised at a great time and that changed the team talk a little bit.

“We said the game would be decided on how good we could be without the ball.

“We were excellent with our press and regains and after the second goal were in total control.”

Everton rained 20 shots on Aidan Dowling’s goal and were denied time and again by a combination of sound keeping and last-ditch defending.

McAllister eventually headed beyond Dowling to bring Everton on terms after the shock of falling behind to a goal from defender Wyatt inside the opening 120 seconds.

Whitaker replaced Cannon seven minutes after the break and duly completed the turnaround, climbing to meet McAllister’s delivery and divert past goalkeeper Dowling.

“Sean McAllister was a threat all game,” said Tait.

“He can score goals and, as a second year, will have even more influence on the team this season.

“He scored a cracking header and assisted the second – and the keeper pulled off great save to stop him scoring with a volley.

“Charlie was really unfortunate not to be in team.

“He has a really good leap for his size and gets in dangerous areas and it was an excellent header to win the game.

“The nerves disappeared once we were level and we began to assert ourselves.

“We started to see what we know we have in this group of players, we really like them, the first and second years.

“They are not just talented players, they are good lads, good people and prepared to work really hard.”

Tait is tipping Blackburn for a strong campaign on this weekend’s evidence.

But the team to beat are likely to be Manchester City, who led Under-18 Premier League North by a street when last season was stopped.

They picked up where they left off on Saturday, brushing aside Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1.

And Tait reckons his side’s wake-up call against Blackburn could prove timely with a trip to City set for next Saturday.

“Blackburn are a really decent team, I was impressed with them and told [manager] Mike Sheron they will beat some good sides this year,” continued Tait.

“It was a really good result for us.

“But we want to do better and know we can do better.

“We will learn from the start of the game, you cannot turn up and expect to roll teams over.

“You have to earn the right to play.

“Blackburn played two up front and we knew they’d press us.

“We weren’t quite ready for that.

“The players will need to be ready next week, we have Manchester City away and will have to come out the blocks for that one.”

Everton FC