LEADERS Everton under-18s scored a superb 6-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday to extend their lead at the top of the Group C table in the FA Academy Premier League.
Goals from Anton Forrester (2), John Lundstram, Hallam Hope, Adam Thomas and Danny Murphy secured the stunning victory.
With second and third-placed Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers both drawing, Everton now have a healthy cushion on their nearest challengers.
On Saturday coach Neil Dewsnip was delighted with side’s performance. The only down was losing Jake Bidwell midway through the first half with a nasty head injury.
But after that is was all positive. Forrester opened up the scoring after being set up by Luke Dobie.
It was soon 2-0 when Lundstram fired in following a quick break with Ryan Higgins supplying the ball for the midfielder.
Manchester-born striker Hope scored Everton’s third just after the break.
Then substitute Thomas raced through on goal to fire in the fourth.
Forrester scored his second and Everton’s fifth, rounding the keeper to slot home. Murphy completing the rout when he headed in from Tom Donegan's free-kick.
Dewsnip was naturally delighted and he said: “How often do you score six away from home? A fantastic effort from the lads, we were excellent.”
Everton will carry on their title pursuit this Saturday at Middlesbrough (kick-off 11am).
With a six-point lead, Everton are in a healthy position and neighbours Liverpool could prove to be the chief rivals.
Liverpool, in fourth, didn’t play due to their involvement in the FA Youth Cup. They are 10 points behind, although they do have four games in hand. And there could possibly be a Mersey shoot-out to finish top of Group C.
But Everton are in pole position.
Dewsnip said: “We will keep going. It would be great for both clubs and the city if we were both going for it. We have a small squad and with players playing in the reserves, we will be challenged in that way..”
EVERTON UNDER-18s: Fitzgibbon, Higgins, Murphy, Hammar, Bidwell, Orenuga, Donegan, Grant, Dobie (Johns 60), Hope, Forrester. Subs: Long, Roberts, Dyer, Thomas.
