Everton U21s 2-1 West Brom U21s

Everton got their own back on West Brom today at Finch Farm after coming second best to the Throstles back in August losing 3-1.

Everton went in front on 14 minutes through Matthew Kennedy before the visitors levelled just before the hour mark with Yassine El Ghanassy on loan from Belgium club Gent scoring.

6 minutes from the end of the game substitute Hallam Hope nets for the blues which proved to be the winner and gave them a much needed 3 points.

Alan Stubbs fielded a strong line including Thomas Hitlsperger who was an unused substitute at Fulham 24 hours earlier.

On a bitterly cold afternoon at Finch Farm it was Matthew Kennedy that forced the Albion goalkeeper into making the first save of the afternoon with a sweet volley.

The visitors inflicted their first assault with a free kick and the blues were also close with a trademark Hitlsperger effort from a free kick that was blocked by the Albion wall.

Kennedy got the blues in front on 14 minutes with a marvellous finish, cutting in then unleashing a shot that left Daniels helpless as the ball flew into the net.

Anichebe had to be replaced not long after Everton had taken the lead as he seemed to fall heavily then to be stretchered off and replaced by Hallam Hope on 21 minutes.

Kennedy growing in confidence plays the ball over from the left but too much pace was unable to find of any of his team mates.

Everton were very much in control but not creating many chances for the front pair of Vellios and Hope.
West Brom looked to be pressing for a goal through Chorley born teenager Bradley Garmston to be denied with a well timed tackle from second year scholar Matthew Pennington.

HALF TIME EVERTON U21´S 1 WBA U21´S 0

The first chance of the second half fell to Magaye Gueye but his shot was directed way off the target.
The visitors nudged their way back on level terms with a goal from Yassine El Ghanassy. A move which involved Jerome Thomas with 82 first team appearances under his belt combined with his team mate to unleash a low shot past Jan Mucha.

Everton had a good shout for a penalty as Hallam Hope went down in the box but the referee was not convinced.

Hitzlsperger drove a shot goalbound after a good feed from Kennedy who was in good form but the German was denied having his shot blocked.

Everton began to up their game again and Gueye went close only to be foiled by Daniels.

During the latter stages with the draw looking favourable, Kennedy made a run through the Albion defence but somehow lost his footing and slipped with the chance begging.

All went well with 6 minutes remaining as Kennedy made up for his slip with a lovely assist to Hope who side footed his shot past Luke Daniels

FULL TIME EVERTON U21´S 2 WBA U21´S 1

Everton: Mucha, Browning, Touray, Junior, Duffy, Pennington, Kennedy, Hitzlsperger, Vellios (Lundstram 78), Anichebe( Hope 21), Gueye Unused Subs: Taudul, Forrester, Hammar

West Brom: L Daniels, Atkinson, Garmston, O´Neil, D Daniels, Gayle, Roofe (O´sullivan 88), Mantom, Sawyers, El Ghanassy (Nabi 64), Thomas. Unused Subs:Lewis, Birch, Jones