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Under-18s draw with Reading

Everton Under-18s recorded their first point of the season with a goalless draw against Reading. It could have been even better for the young Blues had midfielder George Green shot anywhere but straight at the keeper from six yards out.

Neither side could find a breakthrough this morning at Finch Farm with George Green having Everton's best chance having his shot saved from 6yards and Jack Stacey coming close for the visitors with his effort coming off the upright in a very entertaining goalless draw.

Everton's youngsters were hoping for a change of fortune after 3 successive defeats with a tough encounter against joint leaders Reading at Finch Farm. Ben McLaughlin, recently signed from Dundalk, made his debut at right back.

The early stages produced some good football. Mason Springhtorpe made a very brave save to deprive an onrushing Reading forward and was injured in the process. Chris Long snatched at a shot but failed to find the target moments later.

George Green was very unlucky on 16 minutes being put through by Gethin Jones but the side netting was all he could master with his driven shot. Under-16s player Ryan Ledson could only watch his effort dip over the Reading crossbar on 20 minutes.

Tshibola brought out a good a save from Springthorpe who reacted well as the shot was hit from the 18-yard line. Matt Pennington broke up a Reading attack. The last threat of the half saw Keown put over his own crossbar after a pressurised cross from Gethin Jones from the right flank.

After the break, George Green tested Linclon from distance. Everton almost broke the deadlock with their best chance as Pennington rose high meeting a Green corner but was just off target.

Chris Long instigated a move with a good run finding Jasper Johns on the left, his ball in fell to Green only 6 yards out but the Reading keeper denied the stocky midfielder who should have done better.

The tempo got faster and we saw a Chris Long shot rattle the side netting and a Green free kick comfortably saved once more with clock ticking towards the 90.

It would have been an injustice if anybody was to lose this game with the end in sight; then on 82 minutes Reading constructed a good move with Tshibloa feeding Stacey only to see his shot come off the crossbar with Springhtorpe well beaten.

Everton responded with an immediate attack which resulted in a Gethin Jones shot being blocked on the line then his follow-up was also blocked by the stubborn visitors defence.

Everton keeper Springthorpe almost made a hash of a clearance he repeated from the friendly at Villa 8 days ago where his clearance hit an opposing player which he managed to recover to save his embarrassment. A point a piece was a fair result and a well earned point for Everton who finally get off the mark.

Everton: Springthorpe; McLaughlin (62' Kenny), Touray, Pennington, Langton; Molyneux (C), Jones (85' Adelson), Ledson; Long, Green (85' Charsley), Johns.
Unused Subs: Griffiths, Shannon.

Quotes or other material sourced from Grand Old Team

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