U21s win rollercoaster affair with Newcastle

Everton kept faith with the team that started the City game although Sam Byrne started in place of Courtney Duffus. They played an aggressive game built on fully committing to trying to win the ball off Newcastle as they tried to work their way up the pitch. Tom Davies and Joe Williams were excellent at this and they were supported by their team-mates who all played with determination. As a result, most of the action was around the Newcastle box and Everton created plenty of chances but the treacherous ground conditions foiled a number of opportunities as players fell when turning inside their man and into the box. It also left they vulnerable to Newcastle slipping past the tackle and running through and they managed that on a couple of occasions.

I thought Leandro Rodriquez looked more threatening tonight; his close control was good and he scored a simply tap in when the Newcastle keeper jumped for a high ball and didn't get it as he was challenged in the air by two Everton players, the ball falling into the path of Leandro. But he missed when his header from McAleny's blocked shot was tipped over and an attempted half-volley from a cross. He did break into the box and got his shot off a couple of times, one thundered over the bar.

In the first half, Joe Williams mis-timed two shots from outside the box that went high but he struck a sweet goal from 25 yards that curled away from the keepers full-length dive. Calum Connolly, moving away from goal, cleverly allowed a driven cross to skim off his head and find its way into the net.

Harry Charsley, again playing at right back, was able to be very adventurous down his wing and perhaps should have done better with the crosses he delivered. But I think it was his break and fierce drive that was turned in on the line to win the game.

I really hope we can get an early goal or two in the next round of the FA Cup to allow Leandro some minutes, really hope he can start to break into the squad toward the end of the season to set himself up for pre season next term, he reminds me of Hernandez (Chicharito) a typical roght place right time player. Which we wot have once Naismith leaves.

Fingers crossed.

Well done lads - and a nice report, thanks John.

I would like to see Leandro in the cup for half an hour if all goes well as I don't get the chance to get to many games living down south.

Nothing wrong with winning trophies – ANY trophies!

Harry Charsley playing at full back, he is usually upfront poaching a goal or two? Lot of questions from me and it is Friday night so I don't expect any answers.

There has been no announcement about a loan so an injury looks favourite. Earlier in the season, Usworth played two youngsters, Lees and Mullen, as fullbacks and they kept a clean sheet so presumably could have stepped in if required. So it may just be part of giving Harry a wider insight into how the game is played. He doesn't look a natural defender, his first instinct is to attack and he's scored goals throughout his time at Everton.

You mean people go out on a Friday.

Going out on a Friday? I never missed, when I was alive!!!!