17S GO FOR GOLDS

Friday 5 March 2004, 14:26

Everton's Under-17 side continue their quest for the FA Premier League Group A title against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, kick-off 11am at Netherton.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw against second-placed Manchester United made sure that Gary Ablett's side remained top of the league.

With just four games left the top of the table is extremely tight with the Blues currently ahead on goal difference and with a game in hand on United, but Blackburn Rovers, who are in third place, are only three points behind.

With only two play-off places up for grabs in each of the four regional Academy Leagues, Everton's game in hand could prove crucial.

The Blues will have captain Mark Hughes back after suspension but fellow defender Stephen Wynne, who was also banned for last week's match in Manchester after seeing red against Blackburn the week before, will be unavailable for two more games. Alan Kearney also misses out through injury.

"The last time we played Wolves, I wasn't happy with the attitude of the lads and I'll be looking for a response this time around," he told evertonfc.com.

"We were beaten 0-1 in September - it was our first disappointing performance and result of the season and we hope that will motivate us to get a positive result on Saturday.

"Wolves are a hardworking side, very strong and we're going to have to match that if we're going to get something from the game."

The Under-19s' match at Manchester United has been postponed due to United's FA Youth Cup match against Blackburn. The game will be re-arranged for a later date.

"We've been doing well recently, so the enforced break because of this postponement has come at a bad time really," coach Neil Dewsnip told evertonfc.com.

"But these things happen. We'll probably have an in-house game to keep them match fit, and hopefully continue our quest to finish in second place in the league."