Everton U21's Looking To Bounce Back from Cup exit

Matthew Pennington hopes Everton’s Under-21s can bounce back from their Premier League Cup exit when they take on Southampton in the league on Monday.

Due to the recent inclement weather, the game has been moved from Southport’s Merseyrail Community stadium to Finch Farm, and will now be played behind closed doors.

The league clash with the Saints gives David Unsworth’s side the chance to return to winning ways after their penalty shootout heartbreak against Brighton last time out.

After 120 minutes ended 2-2, Joe Williams and Tom Davies both missed their spot-kicks in the resulting shootout.

But Pennington insists there is a determination to bounce back immediately. “We were massively disappointed to come away with nothing against Brighton after going all the way through to penalties,” he said. “It was annoying for the lads but hopefully that will inspire us to kick on going forward.

“We want to win as many games as we can from now until the end of the season. If we can win a trophy as well then that will be brilliant. Hopefully we can carry on and do better in our next game against Southampton.”

On a personal note, Pennington is happy to be back involved after missing a large chunk of the campaign through injury.

Having made his first team debut in the Capital One Cup tie at Barnsley earlier this season, he is using these Under-21s games as a chance to force his way back into the senior reckoning.

“I am enjoying being back in training,” he added. “I have had the opportunity to work with the seniors lately as well which is great for my development.

“Playing for the Under-21s in front of Roberto is always a good chance to impress. You never know who else is watching so you have to put your all into it and try to impress people.”

Evertonians can follow live updates from Finch Farm via our Twitter account, and there will be a full match report on evertonfc.com following the conclusion of the game.