ROYSTON DRENTHE scored what turned out to be the winner for Everton FC Reserves in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Stobart Stadium last night.
The Dutchman and fellow new boy Denis Stracqualursi both played and showed what they are capable of in the 2-1 win.
Young midfielder Ross Barkley also in action and on the scoresheet, while Magaye Gueye impressed and has a hand in both goals as he continues his comeback from a broken toe.
Barkley gave Everton the lead after 26 minutes picking up Gueye’s pass and delivering an excellent finish from just outside the penalty area.
Everton added a second on the counterattack started by keeper Jan Mucha. From Gueye’s pass Drenthe raced clear of the Villa defence to score.
Both sides had chance after the break but Villa’s Daniel Johnson set up a tense finale when pouncing on a loose ball with seven minutes left.
But Everton held on for victory.
EVERTON RESERVES: Mucha, Browning, Garbutt, Barkley, Mustafi, Nsiala, Gueye, Baxter, Stracqualursi, McAleny, Drenthe. Subs: Davies, Forshaw, Bidwell, Orenuga, Hope.
