Young Blues suffer defeat.
Everton Under-18s began the 2016/17 Under-18 Premier League season with a 1-0 defeat away at Newcastle United.
The young Blues, who enjoyed a fruitful campaign that included winning the Dallas Cup last year, suffered late heartbreak as an 80th-minute goal earned the Magpies all three points.
In a tight and cagey opening, both sides struggled to find their rhythm with chances few and far between.
It was therefore no surprise that the game remained goalless at the half-time interval.
It was a case of more of the same for
Kevin Sheedy’s side in the second half as further promising build-up play was let down by a lack of composure in the final third.
Then, just at the contest looked as thought it was heading for a goalless draw, the hosts struck with 10 minutes remaining.
A long punt forward was only half-cleared and the resulting ball from the right flank found an unmarked Newcastle striker, who controlled and bobbled the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Speaking after the game, coach Sheedy told evertonfc.com that he expects more from his young side in the coming weeks.
He said: “We can do much better. It’s disappointing because we’ve worked on attacking play quite a lot in pre-season, but today we found it frustrating in the final third.
“Then, to concede with a long ball is also disappointing as we’ve spent a lot of time in pre-season working on defensive play as well.”
Next up for Sheedy’s side is a home game against Manchester City, which the Irishman believes will be a tough test for his side.
He added: “The overall performance today was okay, though, and I’m sure the results will come. Man City will be a tough test next weekend - we just need to work hard in training this week and go again next weekend.”
Everton Under-18s line-up: Renshaw, Ouzounidis, Lees, Harrington, Morris, Duke-McKenna, Scully (Hornby, 60), Denny, Withe (Mampala, 60), Lavery, Bramall.
