Everton wrest Under-18s League title from Man City

, 17 May, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
Charsley's second-half strike gives Blues memorable Goodison victory

Everton are the new Champions of the FA Under-18 Premier League after beating Manchester City U18s in the Playoff Final at Goodison Park this afternoon. Everton took the lead in the second half through Harry Charsley, and fought off everything the Northern Group winners could throw at them, Russell Griffiths pulling off a number of key saves in the Everton goal.

A decent-sized crowd turned out in the Goodison sunshine, spurning the alternative attraction going on simultaneously (why?) at Wembley Stadium.

It took a while for things to get going, Gethin Jones heading down the right and lashing in a dipping cross just wide of the post after 20 mins. Man City hit the post on 32 mins.

Griffiths had made some good saves in the Everton goal and more good defending was required to end a City four-on-three counter attack. Everton were coming into it a little more as the half-time whistle blew.

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The first substitution of the game came on 54 mins: Calum Dyson making way for semi-final matchwinner, Michael Donohue.

Great work by Joe Williams who fed in Michael Donohue, his shot was saved but Williams regained the ball which fell for Harry Charsley to fire into the net!

On the hour, Everton came close to a second as Courtney Duffus puts Donohue through but he took it too wide, and his hot was blocked out for a corner.

Griffiths continued to come under pressure as City tried to force their way back into the game but were thwarted by the Everton goalkeeper. Delial Brewster replaced Courtney Duffus as the game entered the final quarter-hour.

With less than 10 mins left, there was almost a second goal for Harry Charsley as he turned inside the box before steering his shot just wide of the diving City keeper and past his far post. At the other end Griffiths had to make more crucial saves to keep Everton ahead of their northwest rivals and Northern Group winners.

As the clocked ticked away into 4 mins of added time, Kevin Sheedy made his final change: Walsh on for Joe Williams, before the final whistle went and Everton had made the most of their home advantage to defeat Manchester City U18s.

Everton U18s: Griffiths (c); Jones, Connolly, Graham, Thorniley; Davies, Birch, Williams (90' Walsh); C Duffus (73' Brewster), Charsley, Dyson (54' Donohue).
Subs not Used: Hewelt, Dowell.

Quotes sourced from EvertonFC.com





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