EVERTON U18s, 2012-13

Date   Ven Opponents               Result  Pos  Scorers                   
Link to Official Site

August 2012

Sat 18  (h) West Bromwich Albion     0-1   4th  —
Sat 25  (a) West Ham United          1-2   7th  Jones

September

Sat  1  (a) Arsenal                  1-2   7th  Waring
Sat 15  (h) Reading                  0-0   7th  —
Sat 22  (h) Blackburn Rovers         3-1   6th  Long 2, Touray 
Sat 29  (a) Bolton Wanderers         2-4   7th  Jones, Long

October

Sat  6  (h) Norwich City             4-2   5th  Long 2, Kenny, Green 
Sat 20  (h) Arsenal                  3-1   3rd  Ledson, Long, Waring 
Sat 27  (h) West Ham United          1-1   3rd  Ledson (pen)

November

Sat  3  (a) West Bromwich Albion     2-2   3rd  Charsley 2 
Sat 10  (a) Blackburn Rovers         3-2   2nd  Williams, Long 2  
Sat 17  (a) Reading                  0-1   3rd  — 
Sat 24  (h) Bolton Wanderers         1-1   3rd  Waring

December 2012

Sat  1  (h) Norwich City             3-0   2nd  Jones, Dyson 2 

January 2013 Elite Group Matches

Sat 12  (h) Reading                  3-2   1st  Johns, Charsley 2

February

Sat  2  (a) Bolton Wanderers         2-1   1st  Long 2
Sat  9  (h) Fulham                   1-2   2nd  Waring
Sat 23  (h) Southampton              0-3   3rd  —

March

Sat  2  (a) Reading                  3-4   2nd  ???
Sat  9  (h) Manchester United        1-1   2nd  Waring
Sat 16  (a) Chelsea                  1-0   2nd  Waring

April

Sat 13  (h) Crystal Palace           5-1   1st  Waring 2, Charsley, Kenny, Duffus
Wed 17  (a) Manchester United        3-0   1st  Ledson, Waring, Dyson
Sat 20  (a) Southampton              2-2   2nd  Waring, Langton
Sat 27  (h) Chelsea                  3-1   1st  Dyson, Long, Duffus   

May 2013

Wed  1  (h) Bolton Wanderers         2-0   1st  ???
Sat  4  (a) Fulham                   0-2   1st  
Tue  7  (a) Crystal Palace           2-2   1st  ??
Sat 27  (a) Reading                  0-4   POSF

Day  Date  Ven Opponents            Res   Scorers                              

Sat 14 Jul (a) Burscough             1-1  Green
Sat 21 Jul (h) Rochdale              1-5  Johns
Tue 24 Jul (h) Academica de Coimbra  3-0  Waring 2, Long
Sat 28 Jul (h) West Ham United       1-0  Waring
Sat  4 Aug (h) Leicester City        3-2  Charsley 2, Waring
Sat 11 Aug (h) Wigan Athletic        3-3  Charsley, Jones, Long (pen)

  
The FA Premier Youth Academy comprises one Youth League team at Under-18 level.  There are a parallel set of friendly games playing the same fixtures at Under-16 level, but they will not count towards any league table and are not reported here.

The current set-up for the FA Premier Youth Academy has four or five regional groups of 10 teams each:

  Group D (NW)     Group B (NE)   Group A (SE)    Group C (SW)   Group E  
  Blackburn Rvrs   Derby County   Aston Villa     Bristol City   Cardiff City
  Crewe Alexandra  Leeds United   Birmingham C    Crystal Pal    Huddersfield 
  Everton          Leicester C    Charlton Ath    Fulham         Arsenal      
  Liverpool        Middlesbrough  Coventry City   QPR            Chelsea
  Manchester Utd   Newcastle Utd  Ipswich Town    Reading        
  Manchester City  Notts Forest   Millwall        Southampton    Barnsley
  Bolton Wndrs     Wrexham        Norwich         Tottenham H
  Stoke City       Sunderland     Peterborough    West Ham Utd
  Wolverhampton W  Sheffield Utd  Watford         Wimbledon   
  West Brom Albion

The season starts with some inter-group matches against teams from the farthest (geographically) regional groups.  For Everton, that meant a game with a team each from Groups C and D.  Everton then played three teams from the closest Group A.

For the main part of the season, Everton play each of the other teams in their local Group, both home and away.  They finish up playing each of the other teams in Group A again, giving 28 matches in all.  
  

Everton:  Springthorpe, Kenny (80' Shannon , Pennington, Langton, Touray, Johns, Molyneux, Jones, Grant (70' Williams), Charsley (80' Waring), Long.
Subs not used: Adelson, Duffus.  Scorers: None.

A Nathan Oduwa goal on ten minutes gave the visitors a deserved win after causing Everton countless problems during the opening 45 minutes. Only for Springthorpe the margin could have been greater only for some solid goalkeeping.

Everton failed to create anything to trouble Palmer in goal for the visitors but came close on a couple of occasions and had a goal ruled out for offside. Kevin Sheedy decided to include U16s starlet Harry Charsley in today’s opening fixture against the “Baggies” at Finch Farm as the season got underway. There wasn´t a start either for new recruit Ben McLaughlin signed from Dundalk this week.

Gethin Jones read a misplaced back pass from Albion’s Tom Smart which forced Palmer to concede the corner for the host’s first threat. Isiah Brown played a lovely flighted ball over the top of Everton’s defence to send Oduwa away to beat the advancing Springthorpe who was left helpless as Albiom drew first blood on ten minutes.

Everton replied three minutes later with the effective Gethin Jones setting Jasper Johns up only to see his effort rattle the cross bar. Albion broke very quick in into attack leaving Everton’s defence in disarray. The creator of Albion’s goal (Brown) always looked dangerous on the ball having a shot blocked by full back Jon Joe Kenny to prevent the visitors increasing their lead.

On two occasions Springthorpe came to the rescue, first he stood his ground as the menacing Brown set goalscorer Oduwa on his way as the Everton keeper foiled the attack. Then again denied Oduwa with a shot which stung the keeper’s hands only to drop down on it at the second attempt with Charsley sending a shot wide in between Albions two chances.

Everton thought they had equalised on 25 minutes as Long was foiled from point blank range with Jones providing the service. 8 minutes from the break Everton had the ball in the net as Jon Joe Kenny exchanged passes with Jones but Jones’s angled effort went in off the post only to be disappointed to see the assistant referees raised flag.

Jasper Johns with the goal at his mercy spurned a great opportunity for Everton at the latter end of the half but the first half belonged to the visitors with some good outstanding performances from Brown, Oduwa and Barrow in particular. Half-time: 0-1

Everton came out for the second 45 minutes with a hunger about them creating two chances early doors through Grant and Johns. Springthorpe for the third time in the contest thwarted an Alex Jones effort by diving to his left holding comfortably. Albion were controlling the game restricting Everton to few opportunities, they were a very well organised outfit working well for each other.

Everton’s Langton played himself and his colleagues into trouble after no pressure from anyone only to see Oduwa close him down then conceding a free kick unnecessarily by impeding the striker. Brown took the kick but again it was Springthorpe who plucked it from the top right corner. Jones looked to be Everton’s biggest threat down the right, he found Long in the18 yard box to turn sweetly seeking some support from one of his team mates to feed but wasn’t given the support wasting a good opportunity.

Grant had a header saved from close range before being replaced by Williams then Jones drove a good effort over the top of the sticks as Everton were now looking frustrated with the clock ticking away with a much improved looking display. Brown for the visitors goes close again just failing to connect to an Atkinson cross at the back post which was another let off for Everton.

Long was denied by Palmers left foot, then substitute Waring replacing Charsley nodded the ball into the path of Long who then set up Pennington dashing forward to blast another effort high over. Jasper Jones spurned a great chance at the death with the goal at his mercy by hitting over the target and Williams then rounded the visiting keeper to send the ball into the side netting which summed up Everton’s miserable day.

Everton: Springthorpe, Kenny ,Pennington, Langton, Touray, Johns, Molyneux, Jones (Ledson), Grant, Charsley (Waring), Long. 
Subs not used:  Adelson, Duffus.   Scorers: Jones.

A goal in each half from the Hammers saw off a very spirited Everton display after Gethin Jones had equalised for the toffees in the second half. Everton started the game with the same eleven as last week. West Ham managed a draw at Reading 9 days ago in their opener. These two had met in pre season at Finch Farm with a George Waring goal edging it for the blues but the games are a different proposition when there are points to play for.

Everton’s youngsters didn’t need reminding but with their boss Kevin Sheedy being diagnosed with bowel cancer this week he must surely have been on their minds as they took on West Ham at Little Heath.
For the first half Everton were full of energy having a majority of the play but were guilty of not converting their chances.

Just before the half time break, full back Touray gave away a free kick which Elliot Lee despatched beautifully making that his third strike in two games. Everton started the second half brightly and dominated for the first twenty minutes as Gethin Jones got a deserved equaliser.

West Ham got themselves back in front as goalscorer Lee assisted Taylor Tombides with the winning strike.
Everton did fight back as Jones missed a good chance and in the closing stages substitute George Waring opened the way for Pennington to blaze over.

Everton:  Springthorpe, Kenny, Touray, Adelson, Langton (88' Duffus), Molyneux (76' Williams), Ledson, Grant, Johns, Long, Waring (60' Charsley).
Subs not used: Griffiths, Shannon.  Scorers: Waring.

A George Waring goal gave Everton Under-18s a deserved half-time lead but they were cruelly dealt a blow in the second half as Arsenal struck two goals inside four second-half minutes to give the Gunners their first win of the season.

Full Report at Grand Old Team

Everton:  Springthorpe; McLaughlin (62' Kenny), Touray, Pennington, Langton; Molyneux, Jones (85' Adelson), Ledson; Long, Green (85' Charsley), Johns.
Subs not used: Griffiths, Shannon..  Scorers: None.

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 apiece was a fair result and a well earned point for Everton who finally get off the mark.

Everton:  Springthorpe, McLaughlin, Touray, Shannon (80' Duffus), Langton, Joe-Kenny, Jones, Williams, Long, Ledson (80' Charsley), Johns.
Subs not used: Griffiths, Adelson, Dyson.  Scorers: Long 2, Touray.

Everton faced a big test as Blackburn Rovers came to Finch Farm with only 1 defeat to their name which was inflicted by Bolton Wanderers last weekend. Everton were raring to continue where they left off the week before with promising display also collecting their first point against Reading keeping a clean sheet as a bonus.

Everton were without Matt Pennington who was drafted into the U21s side to face Blackburn on Monday night and George Green had to miss the game having fluid drained from his knee so a couple of U16s players were brought in to replace them.

Everton could not have got off to a better start with only three minutes on the clock as 2nd year scholar Chris Long did what he does best by beating David Raya in Rovers goal to give the Toffee's the ideal opening. Everton dominated the first half against a very ordinary Rovers team that were not causing Everton any problems whatsoever.

The second half got off to a similar start as the first with an early goal and this time it was left back Ibou Touray that saw his deflected shot deceive the Rovers keeper and put the blues in a very comfortable position.
19 minutes remained when the game was finally put to bed with another Chris Long strike with the Rovers defence looking very uncomfortable which would not have pleased their coach Terry McPhillips.

Blackburn had a fair shout for a penalty after Curtis Hayley was upended but the referee turned down their desperate appeals. The visitors did manage to grab a consolation at the end through substitute Bradley Mason but overall Everton were worthy of their first three points which will do their confidence a great deal of good with an very tough game away at Bolton Wanderers next Saturday.

Everton:  Springthorpe, McLaughlin, Shannon, Langton, Johns, Williams (80' Charsley), Ledson, Green, Long. Jones (85' Duffus), Grant.
Subs not used:  Griffiths Adelson.  Scorers: Jones, Long.

Everton's youngsters will take heart from this performance despite being on the receiving end of a 4-2 defeat. Gethin Jones drew level after falling behind then found themselves in front through Chris Long. Bolton drew level on the stroke of half time then proved to be too strong second half to score a further 2 goals and take all three points.

Everton overcome a tough encounter last Saturday with a 3-1 win against Blackburn Rovers but this week was going to be even harder as they faced Bolton Wanderers who are on fire at the moment winning 5 of their opening 6 games and drawing the other. On the other hand, Everton had just found a bit of form as they have shown some improvement with their recent results and performances.

Nice conditions at the Alan Davies academy for a late September morning, as Everton started on a bright note and contained the leaders until midway through the first half as Bolton seized possession with a nice one-two for Luke Woodland to hit home from inside the box and open his account for this season.

Gutsy Everton hit back with a goal from Welshman Gethin Jones as Grant and Johns created down the left hand side to send a cross inch perfect for Jones to net. Everton took the lead for the first time of the contest with the busy George Green carving an opening for Chris Long who kept his nerve with Sievers the Bolton keeper to beat which he did. On the stroke of half time it was 2-2, the home side won a corner with the ball running loose to Rob Holding to fire home from near the edge of the box.

The second half saw Bolton step up their game with pressure and forced Everton into conceding a penalty with Curtis Langton the culprit after bringing down the scorer of the first goal Woodland but Clough made no mistake from the spot to bag his fourth goal of the campaign. Not long after Everton were faced with a mountain to climb as Bolton went 4-2 up with Clough playing Youngs a pass that left him with onrushing Keeper Springthorpe to beat and put the game beyond doubt.

Everton:  Taudul, McLaughlin, Johns, Adelson< Langton, Joe Kenny, Jones, Ledson, Long, Green, Grant
Subs not used: Springhtorpe, Duffus, Thornley, Charsley, Williams.  Scorers: Long 2, Kenny, Green.

Everton were on the end of a 4-2 defeat last week then inflicted the same score line on Norwich City. Everton lead at the break 2-1 with Chris Long grabbing a couple before the visitors replied with a penalty on the stroke of half time. Midway through the second half, Jonjoe Kenny increased Everton's lead further and again the visitors fought back to bring the one goal deficit through Todd. Everton secured the victory in the last minute when George Green made sure of the 3 points and give Everton a very deserved win.

Norwich City arrived at Finch Farm today lead by former Everton player Neil Adams . Prior to today's game the Canaries had only won 1 of their opening 6 games which was 2 weeks ago at West Brom. Everton disappointed with their defeat at Bolton last weekend made several changes to the game at Bolton with a surprise inclusion in goal with Mateusz Taudul replacing Mason Springthorpe who has featured in all of the games so far.

Chris Long who has been scoring regularly this season took on the captain's armband in place of the injured Tom Molyneux who is still missing through injury. Everton raced into a 2-0 lead with Green and Jones assisting Long for the first, Green was at hand to assist Long with his second to give the Toffee's a very comfortable cushion. The visitors got a life line on the stroke of half time with a converted penalty from Carlton Morris.

The second half was evenly contested but the game was brought closer when Harvey Todd a first year scholar with the Canaries scored to make the remainder of the game interesting with an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

Norwich had the bit between their teeth but were caught out in the last minute on the counter as City were awarded a free kick with Matthews the Canaries keeper showing his support for his team mates. The Toffee's broke and Green made no mistake to make the score 4-2 in Everton's favour.

Everton:  Taudul, Kenny, Touray, Langton, Williams Pennington, Jones, Ledson, Johns, Grant (Waring) Long.
Subs not used: Springthorpe, McLaughlin, Charsley, Adelson.  Scorers: Ledson, Long, Waring.

Everton took revenge for their 2-1 defeat 7 weeks ago with a very encouraging performance with Kevin Sheedy back at the helm after his recent health scare. Everton went in front on 15 minutes as Ryan Ledson made no mistake despatching a shot past Gunners keeper Charles-Cook with a 25 yard drive. Everton doubled their lead on the half-hour when Joe Williams found in form striker Chris Long with a pass who found the target with the Gunners Keeper to beat and give the host's a comfortable lead before the break.

Arsenal grabbed a lifeline 10 minutes into the second half as Alex Iwobi made no mistake. Then with ten minutes remaining substitute George Waring came off the bench to wrap the game up and give the young Toffees a thoroughly deserved win as West Ham are the next visitors to Finch farm next Saturday.

Everton:  Springthorpe, McLaughlin, Johns, Adelson, Langton  Williams, Ledson, Joe Kenny, Waring, Duffus, Charsley.
Subs not used: Taudul, Dyson, Graham, Duffus, Thorniley.  Scorers: Ledson (pen).

It was the visitors who made the breakthrough on 20 minutes as the ball was adjudged to have hit Australian Jake Adelson's arm with Mr Rogers immediately pointing to the spot with midfielder Kieran Sadlier sending Springthorpe the wrong way.

It was Sadlier the first year scholar that almost doubled the Hammers lead but unfortunately for him his shot went wide.

Everton never caused the Londoners many problems during the first period apart from an effort from Waring that was blocked and cleared away.

Everton looked the better side in the second half with chances for Duffus with a header and a screaming shot from distance by Joe Williams.

Everton's pressure paid off when a penalty was awarded as Ryan Ledson was brought down in the box. The youngster dusted himself down to convert past goalkeeper Sam Baxter.

Everton:  Taudul, McLaughlin (2' Ledson), Johns, Kenny, Langton, Green, Grant, Charsley, Jones (75' Duffus), Long, Waring (60' Williams).
Subs not used: N/A.  Scorers: Charsley 2.

Alex Jones put the home side ahead from a free kick then before the break then a deserved equaliser from Everton's up and coming youngster Harry Charsley. Everton found themselves 2-1 down with another goal from Alex Jones as Everton were playing some decent football during this period.

Harry Charsley again tucked away his and Everton's second to make sure that the points were shared but Everton were lucky to survive a last gasp penalty scare as Albion's Isaiah Brown was brought down in the box.

Everton:  Taudul, Jones, Johns, Kenny, Langton, Charsley, Williams, Ledson, Green (50' Duffus), Long, Waring.
Subs not used: N/A.  Scorers: Williams, Long 2.

Everton cemented a double over their opponents Blackburn Rovers at Brockhall village on Saturday with the game was played in warm sunshine. Rovers took the lead as early as four minutes through Bradley Ware with a cross headed across the goal by team mate Ryan Thompson. Rovers had to make an early change and it was substitute Harris that should have increased the lead with a finely threaded ball from Humphreys only to be denied a goal with good keeping from Taudul.

16 minutes later and the young guns were level as George Waring knocked the ball down into the path of Joe Williams to make no mistake firing past Aiden Grant making his debut.  Rovers tried in vain to get back in front before the break with three opportunities falling their way. Taudul firstly denied Brown tipping his effort over the bar, Taudul again turned a Harris shot around the post then lastly from a well worked set piece, goal scorer Ware's effort landed onto the roof of the net.

The second half was underway and finally the Merseysiders got in front for the first time in the game with in-form Chris Long giving chase to out muscle his marker and slot past Grant in the Rovers goal. Just inside two minutes and Everton stretched their lead further and it was the captain Long again who took advantage of some poor Rovers defending to give his team a 2 goal advantage.

Everton took the game by the scruff of the neck with Long being denied a hat trick as Grant made a great save. On 79 minutes the home side were awarded a penalty as an Everton defender appeared to handle in the box from Ryan Thompson's delivery, Brown stepped up to convert but Taudul guessed right by diving low to his right earning plenty of back slapping for his heroics.

Laverty provided Humphreys with a chance to score nothing more than a consolation in added time as the visitors headed home with a well earned three points.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Scorers.

Note: No TW News Article; No report on Grand Old Team or EvertonFC.com

Everton:  N/A.
Subs not used: N/A.  Scorer: Waring.

Everton Under-18s came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Bolton at Finch Farm on Saturday afternoon. After a soft opener for the visitors, it would take a goal from George Waring to get the Toffees back into the game on 75 minutes.

A good break from Chris Long provided the second-half substitute with the perfect cross and Waring made no mistake from inside the box. Yet despite pressing in the final stages, the hosts were unable to find a winner.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Jones, Dyson 2.

Everton Under-18s rounded off the first stage of their 2012-13 league campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory at home to Norwich City on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Gethin Jones and a brace from Callum Dyson put the Canaries to the sword at Finch Farm.

The young Blues were even more youthful than normal as a result of injuries, suspensions and several of their ranks being involved with the Under-21s squad. Four Under-16s started and finished the game, with two Under-15s also appearing from the bench.\

Getin Jones grabbed the opening goal on 20 minutes, finishing Jasper Johns's cross in a well-rehearsed corner routine. And the Blues could have doubled their lead before the break when Johns fed Callum Dyson, but the young forward was denied by the crossbar.The interval didn't affect the home side's rhythm - in fact, they came out improved and Dyson eventually found the net on the hour-mark.

Right-back Ben McLaughlin marauded forward and got to the byline and his cross was met at the far-post by Dyson's clinical finish. The striker had a couple of further chances as the Blues' dominance showed, before George Waring had a goal disallowed for offside. Dyson then doubled his tally on 70 minutes, receiving Harry Charsley's ball in space and firing home to make it 3-0. The Under-18s must wait until other teams have completed their final round of fixtures before learning of their table position and next set of matches.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Johns, Charsley 2.

Everton Under-18s got their Elite Group campaign underway in fine style, beating Reading 3-2 at Finch Farm. Three first-half goals were enough to secure maximum points, with Harry Charsley netting a brace after Jasper Johns' early opener.

Everton:  N/A.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Long 2.

Everton Under-18s recorded a solid 2 - 1 win away to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday thanks to a brace from Chris Long, who has had training from Duncan Ferguson on finishing.

Wanderers took the lead on 38 minutes when a free-kick out wide evaded everybody and ended up in Russell Griffith's goal. The Blues responded after the break and as George Waring put Long through on goal and the forward made no mistake.

Everton continued to tighten their grip on the contest and got their reward two minutes from time. Harry Charsley was this time the provider as he found Long, who drove the ball low and across the goalkeeper.
The Toffees now sit top of the table after the opening two fixtures of the Elite group.

Everton:  Griffiths, Kenny, Langton, Jones, Touray, Charsley, Ledson, Molyneux, Johns (70' Waring), Dyson, (46' C Duffus), Long.
Subs not used: NA.  Scorers: Waring.

Everton U18s were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Fulham in the Academy Elite Group earlier today. 

Donnelly put the Whites ahead shortly after half-time in the clash on Merseyside with a free-kick, before Dembele doubled Fulham’s lead from the spot after Patrick Roberts had been chopped down in the box following a superb run.

George Waring pulled one back for Everton with 15 minutes to go to set up a nervy finish but the visitors side held on for the three points.

Everton:  Griffiths; Jones, Kenny, Langton, Touray; Long, Charsley (Williams), Molineux (Dyson); Ledson, Johns (Duffus), Waring.
Subs not used: NA.  Scorers: None.

Everton's Under-18 side were brought back down to earth at Finch Farm on Saturday after their big Youth Cup win at Arsenal, with the visitors running out 3 - 0 winners.

After a goalless first 45 minutes, a clinical second-half performance from the Saints ensured that Kevin Sheedy’s young Blues were on the end of a 3-0 reverse.

Things could have been different however, had Everton enjoyed more fortune in front of goal in the first half when they hit the woodwork on no less than three occasions.

Chris Long twice saw efforts rebound off the frame of the goal, while George Waring was also denied by the post.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Scorers.

Text:

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Waring.

Everton Under-18s recorded a creditable 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Finch Farm after George Waring’s early goal was cancelled out by Jack Rudge in the second half. The Blues striker was on hand to convert from close-range after good play down the left wing from Chris Long.

Matthew Pennington struck the bar before the interval and George Green was denied by an excellent save by United goalkeeper Jonny Sutherland shortly after the restart. However, the visitors earned a point when Rudge grabbed an equaliser on the hour mark, hammering home after Everton’s defence sat deep.

Everton:  NA.
Subs not used: NA.  Scorers: Waring.

Everton's U18s emulated the Blues' U21swith a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the London club's Cobham training ground thanks to George Waring's goal. The striker's 10th-minute effort proved the difference on a wet and windy morning at the Londoners' Cobham training ground - the same venue on which the Club's Under-21s also recorded a 1-0 victory on Monday. 

The Toffees started the brighter and duly took the lead when Waring capitalised on Isak Ssewankembo's inability to clear a low cross to sweep past goalkeeper Ben Killip.

Chelsea responded with a burst of possession and might have hit back immediately, only for the threatening Ambrose Gnahore to shoot wide twice in quick succession. Everton also had their chances but found stopper Killip in fine fettle, the youngster refusing to let the visitors double their lead. 

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Waring 2, Charsley, Kenny, Duffus.

Everton Under-18s bounced back from their FA Youth Cup exit with an impressive 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. A brace from striker George  earned Everton all three points as they catch up on games in hand in the Barclays U18 Premier League Elite Group.

With the scores goalless as half-time neared, the Toffees were made to pay for not taking their multitude of chances. A free-kick fired into the top corner stunned the hosts, but after a productive team talk from Sheedy and Duncan Ferguson, they were ready to discover their shooting boots that have been so prolific this term.

Five minutes into the second period, Gethin Jones burst to the byline and crossed into the centre. Waring got to it first and headed back across the Palace goalkeeper to make it 1-1. The Blues would have the lead they deserved five minutes later, as a left-wing cross from Jasper Johns was headed home from close range by Charsley.
And on the hour-mark it was 3-1. Matthew Pennington raced in behind the defence and showed courage and commitment to get to the ball first. He was upended by the goalkeeper, however, and up stepped Waring to fire in from the spot.

On 65 minutes, centre-half Kenny got in on the act, finishing a one-two with aplomb. And with 10 minutes to go, substitute Duffus completed another excellent move from Ibou Touray's through pass.

Everton:  NA.
Subs not used: NA.  Scorers: Ledson, Waring, Dyson.

Everton Under-18s recorded another impressive away victory by beating Manchester United U18s 3-0 on Wednesday. The young Blues stunned the Red Devils at Carrington with goals from Ryan Ledson, George Waring and Callum Dyson.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Waring, Langton.

Everton Under-18s pulled off a 2-2 draw at Southampton on Saturday, with goals from George Waring and Curtis Langton as they search for a play-off place at the end of the season.

They started brightly on the south coast, with in-form striker Waring nodding home Jasper Johns's second-minute corner. The Blues passed the ball well but were pressed high up the pitch by the hosts, who quickly sought a reply. That came on 15 minutes when Everton lost possession and were quickly made to pay the price as the Saints made it 1-1.

A similar incident occurred just five minutes later and the Toffees suddenly found themselves behind. Another Johns corner brought about the equaliser in the second half, when defender Langton was well-placed to head home at the far post on 60 minutes.

That restored confidence in the visitors and a flurry of chances came in the closing stages. Courtney Duffus headed narrowly wide and Harry Charsley beat two opposition players to weave his way into the box, but his shot was straight at the Saints goalkeeper.

And with the game well and truly opened up, Southampton nearly sealed all three points at the death - but Blues stopper Russell Griffiths produced a commanding stop to confirm a 2-2 draw.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Dyson, Long, Duffus.

Everton Under-18s are still on track to qualify for the end of season play-offs after brushing aside Chelsea at Finch Farm on Saturday. The Blues need to finish in any of the top three places in the Elite Group to progress - and they kept up their challenge with a comfortable 3-1 win courtesy of goals from Callum Dyson, Chris Long and Courtney Duffus.

The scholars led 1-0 at half-time after Dyson had broken the deadlock on 20 minutes with a neat finish. 

On the hour mark, Long doubled Everton’s advantage after some enterprising play down the right wing from Gethin Jones.

Duffus put the game beyond Chelsea with a close-range finish 15 minutes before the end following more positive play down the same flank.

The visitors did pull a goal back late on but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Everton Under-18s now occupy fifth position in the league table, three points behind third-placed Manchester United but with two games in hand.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Scorers.

Text:

Everton:  Griffiths, Pennington, Lagton, Moyneux, Touray, Jones, Charsley, Kenny, Ledson, Johns, C Duffus.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: None.

Everton's Under-18s need just a point from their final game of the league campaign to make the end of season play-offs. A 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday ended the young Blues' hopes of topping the elite group - but they are still in the running to feature in the knock-out stage.

Harry Charsley had Everton's first chance, hitting the side netting 12 minutes in before Fulham took over and had a couple of near misses. Ryan Ledson could have opened the scoring five minutes before the break but he fired over from Charsley's pass.

But five minutes after half time the Cottagers took the lead when Lyle Della Verde's free kick found its way into the net. Everton tried to get back into it but it was the home side who had opportunities to extend their lead and they even spurned a penalty before Emerson Hyndman made it safe with two minutes to go.

The Blues now face rock bottom Crystal Palace on Tuesday where a point will be enough to book a top three place.

Everton:  Team.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Scorers.

Everton Under-18s earned a place in the league play-offs by grabbing a point in their final Elite Group game with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace today to finish 3rd in the Elite group, edging out Manchester United on goal difference. They now face an away clash with 2nd-place Reading.

Everton:  Springthorpe, Waring, Grant.
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Scorers.

Everton's Academy side has been defeated in their league semi-final play-offs, crashing out 4-0 at Reading.

Kevin Sheedy's charges went into the semi-final game at Hogswood Park knowing victory would set up a home final against either Fulham or Sunderland. However, a brace from Craig Tanner followed goals from Jack Stacey and Dom Hyam as the Royals marched through to break Blue hearts. 

Everton started brightly and forced the first real chance of the game through George Waring. The big striker found himself in acres of space inside the opposition box but, well-placed, headed over the crossbar. 

Reading were also into their stride quickly however, and soon Stacey gave goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe no chance with a stunning long-range effort that thundered into the net. 

Playing in front of Royals first-team boss Nigel Adkins, Tanner then went close after beating the offside trap, before Everton winger Conor Grant fired a powerful volley high and wide of the target. 

Tanner had another chance before Reading doubled their lead just before half-time, Hyam spinning on the spot and driving the ball beyond the reach of Springthorpe.

The second half started in the pouring rain and after confusion led Springthorpe to collect a back-pass, the Blues had to stand strong to clear away a free-kick from just six-yards out.

Springthorpe then made decent saves to thwart Tarique Fosu-Henry and Stacey, before Tanner surged forward to slot home a third and all but kill off any lingering hopes of a comeback. 

Shattered, Everton allowed Tanner to round Springthorpe and make it four in the final moments, though the young Blues should remain proud of a season in which they reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup and  qualified for the final league phase via the toughest, 'Elite' route.

 Thanks to 'Alan Ball' at the Grand Old Team  for publishing regular team line-ups for Everton's Under-18s. 

Everton Under-18 Squad Page at TransferMarket.co.uk

Players from Last Season: Anton Forrester, Hallam Hope, Chris Long, Adam Thomas, Tom Heneghan, Matthew Pennington, Ryan Higgins, Tom Molyneux, Conor Grant, Eric Dier, Jasper Johns, Jordan Barrow, Gethin Jones, Ibo Touray, Danny O'Brien, James Fitzgibbon, Femi Orenuga, John Lundstram, Johan Hammar, Connor Roberts, Tyias Browning, Sam Kelly, Jake Bidwell, Oliver Shannon, Ross Barkley, Mateus Taudal, George Green, George Waring, Adam Davies, Daniel Langton, Conor McAleny, Matthew Springthorpe, Jake Adelson, Ben Eyre, Russell Goulding.  [Strikethrough indicates players that had left by the start of the 2012-13 season]

Players Leaving During the Current Season:

Everton: Springhtorpe, Adelson, Touray, Langton, Hammar (c), Molyneux, Jones, Green, Waring, Long, Grant. Subs
Subs not used: Griffiths, Duffus, Johns, Shannon, Heath  Scorers: Greenm

George Green equalised for Everton in the second half as the academy got their pre season underway.

Everton:   Griffiths, Johns, Langton, Adelson, Shannon, Heath, Williams, Molyneux, Charsley, Waring, Duffus
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Johns

Everton fielded a very young team yesterday due to the fact most of the lads were in Glasgow for the tournament. Russell Griffiths, Jasper Johns, Curtis Langton,Jake Adelson, Oliver Shannon, Harrison Heath, Joe Williams, Tom Molyneux, Harry Charsley George Waring, Courtney Duffus.

U-18 Pre-Season Friendly Match No 3
Tueesday 24 July 2012
Finch Farm

Everton: Springhtorpe, Shannon, Touray, Adelson, Langton, Jones, Molyneux, Grant , Johns, Waring, Long
Subs not used: N/A   Scorers: Waring 2, Long.

A George Waring double and one from Chris Long ensured Everton young guns an easy victory at Finch Farm.

Everton:  Springthorpe, Johns, Langton, Adelson, Shannon, Molyneux, Williams, Charsley, Heath (Trialist), Jones, Waring.
Subs not used:    Scorers: Waring

Everton: Griffiths, Johns, Adelson, Langton, Shannon, Molyneux, Williams, Ledson, Charsley, Jones, Waring. 
Subs not used: N/A.  Scorers: Charsley 2, Waring.

Friendly kicked off at Finch Farm at 11.45 today, a mixed team from the blues, quite a young team though, playing against much bigger lads.

4-5-1 from the blues, bit scrappy at first as Waring was isolated but we tried to play. A lot of it was down the right to Gethin Jones who's really a centre mid but got shunted out wide today (appears to be no wingers in the U18s anymore?!) and he ran his socks off and put in some good crosses.

Went 1-0 up before half time, Harry Charsley headed a corner in at the far post but Leicester had so many chances beforehand with only poor decision making from their Forwards keeping us in the lead really.

Leicester got one back but then Jones sent a cross in for big George to get an outstretched boot on at the near post to put us 2-1 up. Went 3-1 up when Charsley headed another with a cross from the right before Leicester got a consolation goal late on.

Wasn't the strongest team we could field, some of the 2nd years and George Green appear to be with the U21s now rather than the U18s and we seem to have promoted some of the better U16s a year early which is a good policy. We looked tidy in the middle, especially Joe Williams and Ryan Ledson but looked a bit suspect at the back with through-balls. Griffiths had to make a few smart saves, a few for show but some were top saves.

Probably deserved a win overall across 90mins it's about player development, not wins, at this level.

Everton:  Springthorpe, Shannon (Adelson 46), Touray, Pennington, Langton, Molyneux, Heath (Duffus 46), Grant, Waring (Charsley 46), Long, Jones
Subs not used: Names.  Scorers: Charsley, Jones, Long (pen).

Tom Molyneux in midfield created Everton’s first chance feeding Chris Long only to see his well struck effort athletically tipped over the bar by the Wigan Keeper.  On 22 minutes, Everton were awarded a penalty, Conor Grant took the spot kick sweetly but the Latics keeper guessed the right way to push the ball away. Moments later, the Latics keeper made another good save  from Long.

Wigan had two chances before the interval, Springthorpe pushed a shot onto the left hand post and the visitors squandered a good chance with a weak finish.

56 minutes in as Chris Long found substitute Harry Charsley to crash home off the underside of the crossbar, his 3rd goal in 2 games.

Within 2 minutes, the Everton defence failed to deal with a cross from the left. The ball was hit home by former Everton youngster Johnson with Springthorpe being sent the wrong way after what looked like a deflection. Chris Long again was provider, setting up Gethin Jones to hit home again with a nick off the left hand post.

Wigan forced Springthorpe to push the ball on the post then moments later were level as Ryan Meadow hammered home.  Gethin Jones delivered a cross which found Charsley at the back post but the Latics keeper came out to deny an attempted header. 

Wigan survived an Everton corner and broke like lightning leaving Everton’s players stranded. Johnson had Springhtorpe to beat, he managed to knock the ball onto the post but Johnson reacted quickest to shoot home from 2 yards with ten minutes remaining.

With three minutes left Everton were awarded a penalty as a combined move involving Long and Charsley ended as Long was tripped. Long drilled home the penalty and square the game at 3-3.