TWO goals from Lewis Codling kept up Everton under-18s’ wonderful unbeaten run as they won 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Neil Dewsnip’s youngsters have not tasted defeat since October – a run of 11 games. But even more remarkable is that Everton have yet to concede in any of those games.
They are within one point of the top of the FA Premier Academy League Group C and will resume their quest to reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals. Everton take on deposed table-toppers Blackburn Rovers on Monday night at Ewood Park (kick-off 7pm).
They go into the match in their best form of the season. Having lost cruelly 5-4 to Bolton at Finch Farm earlier in the season, they gained some revenge with Saturday’s 2-0 win at Lostock Lane.
Everton controlled the game from start to finish, but couldn’t finish off the numerous chances they had.
They took the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Codling headed home at the far post from Luke Garbutt’s cross.
Colding hit his second after latching on to a pass from Gerard Kinsella to go one-on-one with the Bolton keeper before coolly finishing.
Coach Dewsnip said: “We played very well. We controlled the game really, we felt, all the way through.
“We were a little disappointed that we didn’t score more goals. We had lots of chances.
“We are delighted overall, but we just need to be a little bit more dynamic with our goalscoring.”
Everton’s record of 11 clean sheets came under pressure in the final minutes, but keeper Adam Davies made a fine save to make sure the run continued. Dewsnip added: “It is unbelievable and it shouldn’t be underestimated. It is credit to all the players.”
Everton would have had the chance to go top this weekend. But the match with leaders Manchester United at Finch Farm has been called off to give more time to prepare for Monday’s night’s Youth Cup quarter-final tie with Blackburn.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Davies, Thompson, Murphy, Barnett, Garbutt, Donegan, Akpan, Dobie, Kinsella (Barrow 88), Hope (Orenuga 60), Codling (Watson 80). Subs: Roberts.
