A week that started with a fine Everton Under-21 penalty shootout win on Tuesday and a great comeback on Saturday by the Under-18s hit the buffers when a spirited U21 Derby game on Sunday was undone in the 26th minute at Liverpool’s training ground in Kirkby.
Starting with the latest game first, on a cold, wet and miserable day, the Blues lined up as below, with the more experienced Eli Campbell skippering at the heart of a five-man defence:
Everton U21s found themselves behind to an early 5th minute
goal against the run of play as a quick break was neatly finished, 0-1.
The Blues were clearly the better side and they deservedly equalised after 11 minutes when George Morgan carried the ball well to the left of the penalty area, played it inside when Braiden Graham saw his shot blocked. The ball fell for Francis Gomez (below) 15 yards out and he thundered an unstoppable half-volley into the goal, 1-1 and the Blues on top and pressing for the lead which was only a matter of time.
The wheels well and truly came off after 26 minutes however. In-form George Finney slid in for a 50/50 ball with a Liverpool player and unfortunately, on the very wet turf, his foot caught the chest of the opposition player. The referee could easily have taken account of the poor weather conditions which had seen numerous players lose their footing but it appeared as though he could not wait to show off his red card when a yellow would have been more fitting.
Without a full back on the bench, the Blues’ defence was suddenly very lop-sided especially with two left footers in the centre back berths and the only right-footer, Will Tamen pressed into uncomfortable service on the flank.
Ramsey for Liverpool ghosted in between Campbell and Thomas in the 33rd minute to give the Reds the lead.
What followed in the 37th minute ranks as one of the most ridiculous refereeing decisions I have ever seen. Will Tamen was just about within touching distance of a Liverpool forward who threw himself to the ground dramatically to con the referee into giving a penalty. Let’s just say he didn’t appear to need much persuasion as most decisions had gone the way of the home team. Justice was served when George Pickford made a good save from the resulting spot-kick.
Two minutes later however, a carbon-copy of the 2nd goal as a Liverpool forward found the same space between Campbell and Thomas to head home, 1-3.
It could have been much worse as Campbell made a brave block to stop a goal-bound shot with his back. the only surprise was that the referee didn’t judge it to be handball! Manager Paul Tait was incandescent as the referee blew the whistle and also found himself red-carded by the out-of-his-depth official.
Luca Davis, a right sided centre back came on at half-time and restored balance with Tamen moving back into the middle to add some dominance in any aerial combat.
Even with 10 men, the Blues played the better football against what I have to say is the worst Liverpool team of youngsters I have seen, but as Toffees’ legs tired, the home side scored in the 89th minute to give a very flattering 4-1 scoreline. Callum Bates, Braiden Graham and Eli Campbell were the stand-out performers for the beleaguered Blues.
The previous day on the Saturday, the U18s had found themselves a goal behind before goals by Ray Robert and Kean Wren (with a brace) gave the Blues a handsome victory.
The first goal had seen a very patient 19-consecutive Blues’ passes end up at the quick feet of Robert (below) and his finish was expertly tucked away. 1-1. A fine way for the promising striker to celebrate his first 3-year professional contract, signed last week.
The 2nd goal came after fine work by left back Harvey Billington and Wren who fashioned a chance for Ray Robert. The ball fell kindly to Wren and his finish was emphatic, 2-1.
A brilliant interception and run by the highly promising Jonathan Nsangou saw him feed Wren and he made no mistake, 3-1 and some very fine talent on show for the Blues.
A long trip to Northamptonshire for the Under 21s last Tuesday turned out to be worth it in the end. The National League Cup competition rules dictate that in the event of a draw, the match goes to penalties. See the highlights from the game at Brackley Town below which saw Luca Davis equalise by flicking the ball home in the 88th minute from an inventive cross by George Finney. Finney, Demi Akarakiri (what confidence!), Ceiran Loney and Omari Benjamin saw the Blues take the extra point courtesy of the penalties, 1-1 (4-2 on spot-kicks).
Next games are the U18 derby at Liverpool on Wednesday, hopefully not the same referee, followed quickly by a long trip to Newcastle.
For the U21s, they have a Friday night fixture at home to Chelsea.
