Spurs sunk by Baxter’s strike

Aug 28 2007 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

JOSE BAXTER scored the only goal of the game to maintain Everton under-18s’ 100% start to the Premier Academy League season as they won 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Despite again fielding a much younger side than their opponents and also having five players suffering with a stomach bug, Neil Dewsnip’s side earned an excellent and deserved success.

Bootle-born Baxter was one of three schoolboy players in Everton’s line-up and he scored five minutes before the break.

It was a well-worked strike as Danny Redmond fed London-born striker Kieran Agard, and from his pull-back England schoolboy international Baxter fired in.

Tottenham had lots of possession, but a solid team performance ensured all three points.

And has Agard not fired just wide when through on the keeper the margin of victory could have been greater

Having opened the campaign with a 4-2 home win over Bristol City, Everton coach Dewsnip was delighted with his side’s performance and a second victory.

He said: “It was a fantastic result. But it had been a bit scary before the game because we had five boys who were ill with a stomach bug overnight.

“That was a challenge but I think in a way that might have worked in a positive way, in that they all stuck together and got through the game.

“It was very hot and Tottenham had a lot of possession, but without hurting us really.

“Defensively the lads were very well organised and disciplined in their performance.

“We had a great shape when we were defending and Michael McEntagert in goal didn't have a real save to make apart from long-range efforts.

“And when we attacked we always looked like we would be able score a second goal on the break.”

Dewsnip added: “It was a great team effort and the results have been very positive so far, and the performance of the group is good.

“The Tottenham people were very complimentary about our team ethic. That pleases me, because that is part of what we are trying to do.”

Everton look to keep up their fine start to the campaign when they entertain Leeds United at Netherton this Saturday (kick-off 11am).

Dewsnip said: “As always the boys are desperate to do their best and they have started very positively.

“We obviously want to continue that against Leeds, but it will be another very tough match.”

EVERTON UNDER-18s: McEntagart; Stewart, Sinnott, Barnett, McCarten; Krenn, Akpan, Redmond, Baxter (Wallace 65), Agard (Sheppard 87), Codling (McAlaney 65). Subs: Stubhaug, McCardle.