Paul Tait’s Everton Under-21 side have ‘Demolished’ German Bundesliga side Hertha BSC’s academy side 4-1 at Haig Avenue in their second PL International Cup game of the season, showing a statement of intent going into their next fixtures.
The toffees won their first match in the PL International Cup earlier this month, breezing bast FC Braga’s academy, ending the game as 5-0 winners, putting them in high spirits going into their game against Hertha BSC.
Everton’s lineup to play the Bundesliga outfit was much changed from the side that played their last fixture, with the likes of Francis Okoronkwo and Halid Djankpata, who are normally a part of Leighton Baines’ Under-18s side, made the starting lineup for the toffees. The core of the team, however, remained largely the same, with first-team regulars, Issac Price and Reece Welch making the starting lineup.
The blues started the game very brightly, with winger, Okoronkwo coming close twice in the opening 10 minutes. However, Charlie Whitaker would put his side 1-0 up shortly after, heading in a cross at the near post.
Okoronkwo’s lightning start would pay off just before the half-hour mark, twisting and turning on the edge of the box before curling in a gorgeous effort past the keeper, giving him no chance of saving it, giving his side a comfortable 2-0 lead going into half-time.
The game would settle in the second half, with Hertha putting a bit of pressure on the Everton goal but not reaping any rewards. The blues would end up punishing Hertha for their missed chances, with centre-half, Joe Anderson tapping in from close range to give Everton their 3rd, surely putting the game to bed.
Although out of the game, Hertha would continue to pile the pressure on the EFC backline, managing to win themselves a penalty late on, with Teoman Gunduz converting from the spot, giving his side a lifeline.
However, Everton’s quality would then begin to shine through. The in-form Stanley Mills would come on as a late substitute and bag a 4th for the toffees in stoppage time, capping off a wonderful performance by Tait’s team.
FT. Excellent win, Blues! 👏#EFCU21 🔵 #PLInternationalCup pic.twitter.com/Mj8MX8bCYR
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) October 25, 2022
The blues will be hoping to qualify from their International Cup group and although their first few games have been plain sailing, they still have the likes of PSG and Dynamo Zagreb’s academy before they can start thinking about knock-out football, but so far so good…