Everton Under-18s Draw Oberndorf Opener

Everton Under-18s earned themselves a point in their opening game at the Oberndorf International Tournament after a 1-1 draw with FC Schalke.

Nathan Holland put the young Blues ahead with a penalty but Felix Kafferbitz equalised for the German side minutes later.

The Toffees created the first chance of the game when Holland turned his defender brilliantly on the edge of the box before unleashing a low drive the German goalkeeper was equal to.

Although the Blues looked dangerous going forward, FC Schalke caused the Everton defence problems during the early exchanges and Alessandro Fiore Tapia spurned two chances in quick succession to put his side ahead before half-time.

Everton then began the second half on the front foot and finally got the goal their attacking play deserved.

Holland, who was lively throughout, was brought down in the box and the winger dusted himself off to put his side ahead with a well-taken spot-kick.

But it wasn’t long before the German side were level as Kafferbitz connected with a cross and grabbed FC Schalke a late point.

Despite not holding on for victory, Academy coach Sean Lundon was happy with his players' efforts.

He told evertonfc.com: “Schalke were very physical, they had a real height advantage at set-pieces, and that was a test for us. It’s something we have to learn to deal with.

“I think in the first half we were a little bit stretched at the back, they were getting in behind us a little bit but we spoke at half-time and the second-half was much better.

“We nullified their threat a lot more and we always looked dangerous when we had the ball. We have players who are creative and can score a goal, so I wasn’t surprised that we got a goal.

"I always felt like we could get one if we got it in the right areas but obviously it's disappointing having gone ahead so late on to then concede.

"But that is all part of the process for these young lads and they will learn from it.”