Leighton Baines’ Everton under-18s side have ended 2022 unbeaten in their last 5 games with a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, but victory was snatched from the blue’s grasps late on after taking the lead early on.
In their previous fixture, Everton had demolished Derby County in the U18 PL, earning 3 comfortable points with a 5-1 win over the Rams.
However, a trip to Leeds would prove a more difficult test for the toffees, with both sides sitting level on points after 10 games but Everton having the edge with a goal difference of 0 compared to Leeds’ -2.
The hosts were unlucky to come away without a victory in their previous fixture after dominating Newcastle United but only managing a 1-1 draw after conceding early.
Everton would have a fair few chances to take the lead early on and would finally take the lead after 36 minutes through in-form striker, Martin Sherif.
Leeds would put lots of pressure on the Everton back line for large periods of the second half but Baines’ squad would do well to withstand most attacks.
However, the hosts would draw level with just 2 minutes to play through 17-year-old Ronny McGrath, who would score his 1st goal of the U18 PL season.
FT. #EFCU18 were denied victory late on at Leeds today, but the young Blues end 2022 unbeaten in five matches! 👊#U18PL pic.twitter.com/pr2EMgTOlf
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) December 17, 2022
The visit of Middlesborough the week after the new year is next on the agenda for Baines’ side and they will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing point against Leeds despite performing well enough to take all 3.
Hey Alexander, it was at Leeds, not at Finch Farm.