DESPITE taking the lead through Karl Shepphard, Everton under-18s had to settle for a point following a 1-1 draw with Stoke City at Finch Farm on Saturday.

With very windy conditions playing quality football was difficult. With the wind behind their backs in the first half Neil Dewsnip’s side pressed forward but found the Potters’ keeper in fine form.

They eventually made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark. A good move started by Aristote Nsiala ended with a cross from Adam Forshaw being powerfully headed home by Sheppard.

Everton had several chances from Lewis Codling, Nathan Craig and Sheppard but the Stoke keeper was equal to all of them to tip over the bar on a number of occasions.

But a lapse in concentration at the back enabled Stoke to equalise just before half-time.

Everton continued to press to get their noses back in front and strikers Sheppard and Codling both went close. But neither could find the breakthrough, while at the other end Everton keeper Lars Stubhaug also had to be alert on a couple of occasions to prevent the visitors from grabbing a decisive strike.

Coach Dewsnip said: “The match was played in a gail force wind which blew right down the pitch. It was a lottery and it wasn’t conducive to good football.

“We played with it (the wind) in the first half and scored a great goal. We huffed and puffed after that and had plenty of chances. “We couldn’t get a goal and then naively we gave one away through a lack of communication. It was a real silly goal.”

“We were concerned about playing against the wind in the second half, but apart from one chance which Lars Stubhaug saved well from a corner, we were in control.”

Everton head up to Newcastle United this Saturday (kick-off 11am) and will be hoping for three points.

EVERTON UNDER-18s: Stubhaug; Nsiala, Sinnott, Duffy, Bidwell; Craig, Kinsella, Barkley, Forshaw; Codling, Sheppard (McAleny 80). Subs: Davies, Nolan, Krenn.