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Post by Everton News. on Feb 15, 2022 19:01:23 GMT
Issac Heath's second-half strike and a 10th-minute own goal from Harry Hawkins saw Everton defeat Derby County 2-0 at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday and jump three places to fourth in Premier League North.
Paul Tait's side, who were seeking to gather momentum following Saturday's 1-0 success at Nottingham Forest, avenged last month's single-goal loss to Derby, to boot.
Everton started brightly with their high press causing the away backline some discomfort and inside five minutes Emilio Lawrence had the hosts' first opportunity.
Owen Barker's brilliant pass released Lawrence but the shot was directed narrowly wide of the post.
But Everton didn't have to wait long to establish the lead their positive start deserved. Jenson Metcalfe's teasing, inswinging corner drifted over goalkeeper Alfie Roberts and was turned into his own net by Hawkins, under pressure from forward Francis Okoronkwo.
The home side implemented their high-press gameplan perfectly in the opening half hour. And Everton nearly doubled their advantage when Halid Djankpata took the ball from Hawkins in the visitors' half and played through Lawrence on the left flank.
The Everton winger found Okoronkwo in the box, but his shot was blocked bravely by Derby centre-back Charlie Rutt.
Derby struggled to play their way into the match, with Metcalfe, the standout player for Tait’s side, controlling the game in the middle of the park with his pinpoint passing.
Everton followed their dominant opening 45 minutes with a bright opening to the second half, Metcalfe unleashing a powerful 16-yard strike that was smartly saved by Roberts.
The Rams started to see more of the ball but were unable to force any scoring opportunities, with Everton focused and authoritative at the back.
Substitute Heath [pictured] put daylight between the teams on 67 minutes, when Djankpata displayed some impressive footwork on the right flank, eventually finding the midfielder at the far post.
The 17-year-old, who had been on the pitch only around five minutes, calmly slotted the ball into the far corner from 12 yards out.
Everton comfortably saw out the rest of the game and will be looking to replicate this performance at Stoke City on Saturday.
Everton FC
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