Michael Kenrick 19/09/2023 15comments  |  Jump to last
Doncaster Rovers 2 - 0 Everton U21s

Everton U21s lost to Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power stadium this evening in their first group game of this season's EFL Trophy.

Paul Tait gave an indication that Eli Campbell would be back in for the first time this season after returning from injury.

“We’ve got Eli back,” said Tait. “Kyle John is close and should be back for our game against Norwich. Liam Higgins should return the next few weeks and then after that, we’re hoping Sean McAllister will be okay by the end of September. Surely, but steadily, we’re starting to get a few of them back now." 

I think that leaves Jack Tierney and Charlie Whitaker as the other U21s who haven't played so far this season.

It was boys against men but Everton held their own for most of the first half, suffering a few scares. They gave away a soft goal in the second half when the ball screwed off Moonan's foot into the path of a Doncaster forward. Before the end, the Blues were cut apart on a short-corner routine for Doncaster's second goal.  

Everton U21s:  Crellin, Dixon, Moonan, Campbell (70' Apter), Hunt, Butterfield (70' Bates), Kouyate, Heath (61' J Patterson), Djankpata (70' Butler), Metcalfe, Okoronkwo (61' Sherif).

Subs not Used: Barrett, O Samuels-Smith.

 

Reader Comments (15)

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Don Wright
1 Posted 19/09/2023 at 19:03:44
once again the O/S is up to its usual crap standard
Brent Stephens
2 Posted 19/09/2023 at 19:27:38
Don I had to sign in through the link to kick.com
Don Wright
3 Posted 19/09/2023 at 19:55:49
Belated TA mate, it popped up on the OS while I was on another tab. Good first half considering the opposition. They have some first-teamers in the team, sort of men against boys but boys who can put in a good cross.
Brent Stephens
4 Posted 19/09/2023 at 20:02:42
Men against boys as you say, Don. Infuriating thing is the stream doesn't show the score! Unless I'm missing something (else).
Don Wright
5 Posted 19/09/2023 at 20:04:32
No, you're not – and no clock?
Dave Abrahams
6 Posted 19/09/2023 at 20:09:17
Brent (4),

I think it is 0-0 going by another website

I'm switching over now to watch Man City starting to reclaim their cup again.

Brent Stephens
7 Posted 19/09/2023 at 20:19:30
Cheers Dave. Just gone a goal down. Sloppy defending? Or unfortunate?
Dave Abrahams
8 Posted 19/09/2023 at 21:06:31
Brent (7) We lost but it was a run out for some of the youngsters, I fear for all the young kids on the books at the moment there is a bad feeling right through the club at the moment, no getting away from that, sad times.
Brent Stephens
9 Posted 19/09/2023 at 21:19:32
Dave, the young lads might be thinking they'd be better off trying their luck with a Championship club, such as... Ah, well in that case they might just still be with us next season (sad face emoji).
Tony Abrahams
10 Posted 19/09/2023 at 21:30:02
I have just had one eye on another men v boys encounter, watching Liverpool's under 21's strolling to a 3-0 win away to Morecombe.

Our club is absolutely rotten to the core, but it's got nothing to do with these kids.

Robert Tressell
11 Posted 20/09/2023 at 09:51:51
In an alternative universe, we went down last season after finishing bottom under Bielsa – but we're now playing eye-catching football in the Championship with players like Dobbin, Cannon, Mills and Warrington all playing their part.

In reality, the academy is not in great shape. Just had a look at the England youth teams. Out of the U21s, U20s, U19s, U18s, U17s, U16s and U15s, we have just two players currently in the mix.

Branthwaite in the U21s and 15-year-old goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks is in the U17s.

Not all of these England youth kids make it by any stretch, but their chances are much, much higher than those without international recognition.

Phill Thompson
12 Posted 20/09/2023 at 18:24:50
Robert, sadly I think our U18s & U21s are the poorest we've had for many years. Your reference to Branthwaite and Lukjanciks highlight this – we usually have more outfielders.
Robert Tressell
13 Posted 20/09/2023 at 22:12:11
I was a bit surprised myself, Phill, when I went through the squads. It leaves me placing hope in Metcalfe and Okoronkwo – but both need to really kick soon if they are to make it.
Brian Wilkinson
14 Posted 21/09/2023 at 15:23:57
Phil,

Tom Cannon – sold on;
Stanley Mills, Warrington, Tyrer, Welch – out on loan;
Samuels-Smith, Price – both left for minimal fees, refusing to sign a new contract; Nkounkou – sold for £2 Million;
Simms – sold for £8 Million.

There lies the problem of our Under-21 struggles this season.

Danny Baily
16 Posted 21/09/2023 at 17:57:41
Pretty sure the likes of Gomes can play in this competition. I'm not sure why they don't.

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