Everton u23 3-2 Man City - 6th Nov 2021

Everton Under-23s came from behind to defeat Manchester City in Premier League 2 at Haig Avenue this afternoon.

Kayky da Silva acrobatically broke the deadlock on 29 minutes, but the Toffees drew level on the stroke of half-time through Tom Cannon.

Stanley Mills’ strike then rebounded off stopper Cieran Slicker and in, before Charlie Whitaker put the Blues in full control heading into the final 10 minutes.

A late own goal from defender Ryan Astley set up a dramatic finish - with City hitting the bar in the closing stages - but Everton held out to claim victory in the Premier League 2.

Assistant manager John Ebbrell said: "The goal before half-time was vital. It gave us some belief and we reset at half-time and scored two great goals in the second half. City were always a threat so I am really pleased with the win. The lads had to show real character throughout and I thought they were terrific.

“We played good football and we had to so from a good shape. If you go chasing City all over the pitch they will pick you off. Our shape gave us a foothold in the game and when we had possession we were always trying to play our football.

"They are a great bunch of lads, really honest, and great to work with. The spirit they showed was great to see.

"I was pleased to see the late effort hit the bar and we deserved that little bit of luck. You need that at times against a team like City."

David Unsworth’s side went into the game looking to build on from last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea but looked to be facing an uphill task after just three minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty.

Skipper Luke Mbete floated a ball down Everton’s inside right channel towards Oscar Bobb, who got there better of Sebastian Quirk - a late addition to the starting XI in replace of Kyle John - and went down under a challenge inside the box.

James McAtee stepped up but lashed his attempt high over Harry Tyrer’s crossbar to squander the chance.

City dominated the general ebb and flow of the game, but Unsworth’s troops were resolute and compact as they patiently waited for their moments to pounce.

And when they did, the visitors were left chasing shadows.

Lewis Dobbin curled wide from inside the area before Cannon’s volley stung Slicker’s gloves as Everton sent a warning sign through City's ranks.

However, the visitors control of possession paid off on the half-hour mark when a scramble inside the area bounced kindly for Kayky and invited him to hook the ball beyond Harry Tyrer.

Everton may have been down, but they were definitely not out, as 15 minutes later Cannon broke through City’s rear-guard and confidently fired home his third goal in as many games.

And from there, the hosts didn’t look back.

Mills’ venous strike on 67 minutes found its way into the goal after smacking the post and then off the back of City’s helpless stopper to give Everton the lead.

Whitaker then gave the hosts a crucial two-goal cushion to take into the final 10 minutes when his shot off Rhys Hughes’ low cross squirmed underneath the keeper.

City did pull one back late on when a low cross from the left came off Astley, but the Toffees held firm to see off a late onslaught and claim the points.

Ebbrell also paid tribute to in-from striker Cannon, adding: "He seems to have gunpowder in his boots at the moment. Some of the strikes he comes out with! We see it in training all the time and that goal today was a great finish."

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