ACADEMY FOOTBALL: Late show brings Everton under-18s derby victory at Kirkby

Nov 3 2009 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

TWO late goals from Daniel Murphy and Conor McAleny helped Everton under-18s to Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool in Kirkby on Saturday.

Neil Dewsnip’s side were back to winning ways on their return to action after three weeks without a match and will be hoping the win kick-starts a season that has been disappointing in terms of results if not performances.

Those Everton youngsters who didn’t play at Kirkby will look to complete a quick Merseyside derby double for Andy Holden’s reserves tonight at the Halton Stadium.

On Saturday a closely-fought match appeared to heading for a goalless stalemate until eight minutes from the end when Murphy stabbed home from just outside the six-yard box before McAleny sealed the points two minutes later with a low shot from the edge of the area.

There had been little between the sides in a committed opening half.

After the break Everton pressed a bit more and both England under-16s international striker Hope and Tom Donegan went close. Lewis Codling was also denied on the hour by Liverpool keeper Chris Oldfield following a cross from the impressive Femi Orenuga.

Everton finally made the breakthrough with Murphy stabbing home his first goal for the U18s after getting on the end of keeper Oldfield’s punch following a corner.

McAleny’s fine low shot into the bottom corner soon after sealed a fine victory for Everton.

Dewsnip said: “It was a very good performance in terms of they showed a very good work ethic from the first minute to the last. Obviously that is important in this kind of fixture. They weren’t found wanting at any time in terms of physical or mental concentration which was good. When the game allowed I thought we passed the ball okay, created some good opportunities – particularly down our right hand side with Femi Orenuga, who was a real threat in the whole game – and when our chances came along we obviously took them.”

Everton will now hope the victory gives them the impetus to go on a winning run starting against Manchester City to Finch Farm this Saturday (11am).

EVERTON UNDER-18s: Davies, Browning, Barkley, McCarten, Murphy, Cummins, Orenuga, McAleny, Dobie, Donegan, Codling, Hope. Subs: Watson, Thompson, Nolan.