Everton u21 gain first point in PL Cup

Paul Tait’s Everton under-21s gained their first point in this season’s Premier League cup after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, with a few particularly impressive for the young blues.

Everton were unlucky to lose their last PL Cup fixture to Southampton after being 1-0 up at half-time thanks to an early Issac Price goal. However, two second-half goals from the saints and the blues going down to 9 men late in the second half spelt victory for the visitors at Walton Park. 

After a disappointing display in their last outing, Everton would go into their next PL Cup fixture with a much weaker squad due to players such as Tom Cannon, Stanley Mills and Reece Welch travelling with the first team for their friendly fixtures in Australia as well as Issac Price and Seb Quirk being suspended after their red cards in the previous fixture.

First-team regular, Ben Godfrey started for the toffees at centre-half but was surrounded by players without too much experience at u21s level, such as Halid Djankpata and Coby Ebere. But the standout would appear quickly to be Matthew Apter at central midfield. 

However, Apter would go off injured just before half-time. 

A minute before the break, in-form Francis Okoronkwo would give the toffees the lead after good play down the left and a smart finish from range.

Birmingham would find a late equaliser through Williams after some sustained pressure much to Everton’s anger.

The blues will now face a trip to Mansfield Town in their next fixture.

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