NATHAN CRAIG and substitute Lewis Codling scored in each half to give Everton under-18s a 2-1 victory at Manchester United on Saturday.
It was only the second victory in the opening seven matches in the FA Premier Academy League for Neil Dewsnip’s side. But after last week’s cruel 5-4 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at Finch Farm it was a deserved and welcome win at United.
Craig opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he followed up after Conor McAleny had been one-on-one with the keeper and saw his shot come back off the post.
Everton kept pushing forward and played well with McAleny, Adam Forshaw and Tom Donaghan all going close to a second goal.
Everton did double their advantage on the hour when centre-back James McCarten headed home a corner at the near-post with substitute Codling credited with getting the final touch. Although United were unhappy claiming the ball hadn’t crossed the line.
Everton, though, took the points despite a late consolation strike by Nicky Ajose after a corner as Everton keeper Adam Davies, who in trying to push the ball over the bar, could only help it into the net.
Dewsnip was delighted with the victory, although he is still concerned about some of Everton’s defending.
He said: “The result was great, but the performance was greater. I was delighted with how we played.
“It was more of the same at the end with another silly goal conceded. On another day that could lose you the game. It was much better, but we haven’t cracked it yet. But with the ball, creating chances and scoring we are doing okay.”
Everton’s victory over Manchester United gives them the ideal platform to kick on and they will be looking to secure another success when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Finch Farm this Saturday (kick-off 11am). Dewsnip said: “I think any people in the Everton shirt would want to beat Man United. That was pleasing and hopefully confidence-building for the players. And if they acquit themselves as they have been doing over the last few weeks hopefully it is the start of getting it right in terms of results and performances.”
Hallum Hope is in Kenny Swain’s England under-16s squad for the Victory Shield match with Wales at Yeovil’s Huish Park a week on Friday.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Davies, Nsiala, Barkley, McCarten, Garbutt, Craig, Donegan, Kinsella, Orenuga (Codling 45), Forshaw, McAleny (Sheppard 75). Subs: Roberts, Cummins, Dobie.
