Everton u18's pipped by Real Madrid

Everton Under-18s were desperately unfortunate to emerge from their opening Premier League Champions Cup encounter with Real Madrid empty-handed.



The young Blues were entered into the six-team tournament and pitted in a group alongside the Spanish giants and hosts Tottenham. West Ham, Liverpool and Benfica make up the participants.



And despite controlling the hour-long contest on Friday morning, it was a rare attempt from Madrid that provided the only goal in the second half.



Everton looked strong and alert against the youth squad of the European champions and foraged the best opportunities.



And despite not being at their clinical best, boss Kevin Sheedy refused to criticise his limited squad.



He told evertonfc.com: "We really dominated the game with our possession and chances. We created six one-on-ones and hit the bar but couldn't find the back of the net. It was all that was missing from an excellent performance.



"We had three of the best players on the pitch and limited them to two shots on goal.



"Technically, Spanish teams are supposed to be better, but we were as good as if not better than Real today. It was very pleasing.



"It's an excellent tournament and we're delighted to have been invited as a result of winning the league last year.



"It's good for the players' development to play against a different style of football and to test themselves against big European clubs.



"We've only got 13 players down here as a result of international call-ups and injuries. It would have been better to have more to give us options. The lads will be tired for this afternoon's game against Tottenham but they're still looking forward to it.



"We know Spurs well from meeting in the league and hopefully we can do enough to get through to face a team from the other group. It would be nice to see how we fared against Benfica."


Everton U18s


Hewelt

Yates

Birch

Thorniley

Edge

Davies

Bainbridge

Holland

Brewster

Dyson

Newell


Substitutes


Mellen (50 Edge)

Broadhead (45 Dyson)