EVERTON under-18s lost their first match of the season when they were beaten 3-0 at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Neil Dewsnip’s side went into the clash unbeaten in their first five FA Premier Academy League matches, and despite another decent performance failed to take the chances that came their way. Everton were 1-0 down after 12 minutes following a long throw-in that saw Blackburn score following a scramble.
Dewsnip’s side had the chance to equalise soon after midfielder Femi Orenuga was brought down as he broke into the area onto Hallum Hope‘s clever pass. But Adam Cummins missed the resulting spot-kick and the chance was gone.
Just before the break Conor McAleny saw his shot cleared off the line ad Danny Murphy fired just wide from Luke Garbutt’s free-kick. While Everton felt they should have had another penalty when McAleny appeared to be brought down in the area.
The misses proved costly as Blackburn made it 2-0 in injury time at the end of the first half with an excellent header.
Hope failed to take an opportunity to reduce the arrears. But Blackburn completed their win on 75 minutes through a free-kick which was headed in.
Coach Dewsnip said: “It was a cruel scoreline in a way. But it was a game of taking your chances – they did, we didn‘t.
“They started and took the lead from a Stoke City-style throw, but we responded well. We got a penalty, but missed it and we some fantastic chances and should have had another penalty. Going right on to half-time we were in the ascendancy and it seemed only a matter of time before we equalised. But just on half hour they went and scored a really good goal. At 2-0 at half-time we felt it was a bit harsh.”
Everton will be look to put their defeat behind them when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Finch Farm this Saturday (kick-off 11am).
Adam Forrester (back) and Adam Thomas (ankle) are both still out injured.
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Davies, Barrow, Garbutt, Murphy, Connor, Orenuga, Dobie, Kinchella (Long 60), Cummins (Lundstram 75), Hope, McAleny. Subs: Roberts, Browning, Higgins.
