On a cold winter’s night, under the magical lights of Goodison Park, we witnessed what had looked like an unlikely 3-2 comeback that paid homage to some of the truly great and memorable comebacks with
that same scoreline. OK, it was nothing like the same importance of course as that Palace victory or the Wimbledon one 31 years ago, but you try telling that to some of the bright sparks that lit up the Old Lady on Monday night!
Paul Tait’s Everton Under-toteam started the game against Jong PSV with the line up below. It was a 4-4-2 formation with George Morgan and Omari Benjamin leading the line with Coby Ebere and Braiden Graham providing the width.
The Blues started brightly with a nice interception in the 6th minute by Harvey Foster and a nice chipped cross to George Morgan who made good headed contact but the goalkeeper saved comfortably.
As the Dutch side began to impress with their sharpness, quality and organisation they took the lead after 9 minutes when the Toffees opted not to simply clear the danger and got caught in possession in their own area. George Pickford made a great save but was unable to stop the follow-up shot, 0-1.
In truth, the match definitely swung the way of PSV as their players seemed to find an extra yard and the passing was crisp and precise. On the other hand, the Blues were careless in possession, there was a lack of movement up front and they were fortunate to be just one goal down at the break. They were getting a little swamped, the 4-4-2 was simply not working and there was little threat as, even in the more promising moves, there was always a mistake by somebody. 0-1 at the break and aside from that 6th minute save, the Dutch goalkeeper had been a spectator.
No changes at the interval by Tait but they showed more threat straight away as a good break by Callum Bates and Ebere almost found Benjamin but he missed the first chance and was not sharp enough to take advantage of the goalkeeper making a fumble.
Within a minute Van Schoor, for Everton, showed great determination, Graham scooped the ball across to Morgan who inexplicably used his arm rather than his head or chest to convert the chance. It was rightly pulled up by the excellent referee (see below).
Typically, the Toffees were made to pay for that waste a few minutes later when the impressive Venezuelan right back Yiandro Raap (I hope the Blues scouts were at least watching this game) saw his shot deflected onto the post. From the resulting corner, the Blues failed to clear effectively and a half-volleyed shot made it 0-2.
Tait had clearly seen enough and took off Ebere, Morgan and Foster and went for a more solid 4-5-1 with 17 year old Demi Akarakiri, and 16 year olds Malik Olayiwola and Shea Pita entering the fray. Not only was the formation immediately more solid defensively, there was an immediate attacking intent that we had struggled to see in the previous hour.
Akarakiri’s determination saw him fouled but smart refereeing allowed Olayiwola to carry the ball away and, as Benjamin rounded the goalkeeper, he played it neatly back to the England Under 17 international and he slotted home left-footed.
With a spring in their step, the Blues pulled level just 3 minutes later as big Will Tamen kept the ball alive in the opposition box and set up substitute Kingsford Boakye.
After Graham and Benjamin had almost fashioned a third goal 6 minutes later, the unlikeliest of comebacks was on the cards in the 77th minute as Tamen played a through ball for young Pita whose run into the penalty area was abruptly and possibly unnecessarily stopped by a clear block just inside the 18 yard line. A penalty was given and the Welsh youngster showed great self-confidence to demand the ball himself and place the ball beyond the dive of the PSV ‘keeper. 3-2!!
There was still time for the Blues to show their skill at both ends as firstly the dynamic pairing of Akarakiri and Olayiwola almost saw the latter get a second goal before Luca Davis at the back managed a last gasp header to prevent an equalising opportunity in the 90+6 minute.
Man of the match I would actually give to the referee who was spot on with all of his key decisions including waving away some ridiculous attempts to get penalties or free kicks as well as getting the Morgan handball correct.
Paul Tait deserved great credit for the bold substitutions although those young lads who came on were a credit to the club and surely have bright futures.
Meanwhile the Under 18s suffered a 1-2 defeat last Saturday to Manchester City. The Everton goalscorer? Malik Olayiwola ….. remember the name, it’s not the last you will hear of him!
