Joe Cowan: 7/10
No chance with the opening goal, with it being slotted in from close range, and no real other saves to make. Had to make a few claims and punches around the box. Made some fantastic throws to set the team away on the counter, including one that went about 70 yards to play Whittaker in, but got lucky when he spilled a catch late on but Lienard was one hand to clear.
Finlay Holcroft: 7/10
Dealt well with a pacey player down his side of the pitch but that did mean he couldn’t contribute too much going forward other than one
early cross that almost went in but for a good stop by the Everton goalkeeper.
Bayley Hester: 6/10
Did well enough at left back but did switch off to allow a runner in behind in the second half, thankfully Lienard was on hand to prevent a tap in.
Ben Kindon: 8/10
Was solid in the middle of defence, winning most balls that came his way and using the ball well when in possession.
Alex Lienard: 10/10
Seemed to be a magnet in the box today, whenever Everton had a chance it was always Lienard there to intercept or block the ball.
Elias Lenz: 8/10
Gave the back four good cover, was tenacious in winning the ball back and was tidy in possession.
Jaydon Jones (C): 8/10
A good performance by the captain, using the ball well further up the pitch and then getting back to help Lenz out. Got an assist when he picked out Abdullahi for the equaliser.
Finn Geragusian: 8/10
Sliced a clearance straight to an Everton player for the opening goal but then made up for that shortly afterwards when he won and converted a penalty. Almost got himself a second when he showed good feet to get away from three Everton players but then blasted just over the bar.
Jack Whittaker: 7/10
Was lively around the Everton box, linking up play and playing one-twos with teammates.
Charlie Dinsdale: 7/10
Few of his trademark runs up the pitch today but did have a few chances to score but the opposition goalkeeper managed to save all of Dinsdale’s shots.
Ahmed Abdullahi: 8/10
A typical u21 display from Abdullahi, far too quick and strong for the opposition defence. Got his goal when he cut back inside and smashed the ball past the goalkeeper, should have had another one but he went for the wrong corner when he chopped back onto his right foot. Was often a bit frustrated when the ball didn’t come his way when he made runs in behind.
Substitutes
Jake Waters: 6/10
Came on for Abdullahi on the hour mark but didn’t really have much chance to impress with Sunderland managing the game.
Tom Proctor: 6/10
Was lively following his introduction but messed up his chance to score when he took a heavy touch when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Rhys Walsh: 6/10
Came on to help us see out the game.
Archie Lightfoot: 6/10
Was subbed on alongside Walsh as we shut up shop.
Man of the Match: Alex Lienard
Can only be one man of the match for today, Alex Lienard. Everton didn’t create that much but whenever there was a free ball in the box, a dangerous ball fired in or an error by a teammate, it was always Lienard there to clean up. Brilliant reading of the game and positioning throughout to make sure we came home with three points.
