Everton’s U21 side earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Fulham, with Katia Kouyate on the scoresheet for the young Toffees.
With Paul Tait assisting Leighton Baines in overseeing first-team training this week following Frank Lampard’s dismissal, assistant coach Keith Southern took charge of the Premier League 2 clash at Southport’s Haig Avenue on Friday evening.
Everton went into the game with back-to-back victories under their belt, with a win at Southampton in the Premier League Cup last week followed by a victory away at Brighton.
A goal inside 3 minutes for the Toffees emphasized the confidence within the squad at the minute, as Kouyate latched onto the end of a long Kyle John pass to open the scoring.
It was a dominant performance from the young Everton side, though missed opportunities to double their lead proved costly when the visitors drew level with their first chance of note.
With 18 minutes gone, Fulham’s Martial Godo saw his effort blocked by Reece Welsh, only for the ball to fall kindly for Adrion Pajaziti who scored to restore parity.
Both sides had chances to steal the points in the second period, but for some quality goalkeeping at either end of the pitch to ensure the game ended in a draw.
“I think it’s a fair result,” Southern said after the game. “Two really good competitive sides playing in an end-to-end match and going toe-to-toe with each other.
“I thought we might have nicked it near the end with the big man at the back post, Reece.
It was a lovely finish but the goalkeeper made a great save. Zan’s made some decent saves, too, so I think a draw was the fair result.”
The result leaves Everton in 7th place in the Premier League 2 table, level on points with Fulham who are in 6th.