Everton Under-21s came from behind against Fulham at Walton Hall Park to reach the semi-final of the Premier League International Cup.
Michael Keane, who was on the scoresheet, and Nathan Patterson played 90 minutes, with Youssef Chermiti netting twice in a 3-1 victory.
Fulham took the lead midway through the first half…and it was a stunning goal. Devan Tanton crossed from the right and Callum Osmand, with his back to goal, showed terrific technique to control the ball before spinning and volleying it past Fraser Barnsley.
Harrison Armstrong’s shot from distance was comfortably saved by Alex Borto and at the other end, Reece Welch stood strong to block a goalbound effort from Lemar Gordon.
Everton’s response to conceding was decent enough with regards to keeping Fulham at bay, but they failed to really trouble the visiting defence. Indeed, Fulham could have doubled their advantage just before half-time when Gordon teed up Adrion Pajaziti who blazed his effort high over the bar.
The Blues then made a perfect start to the second period. Patterson’s low cross was deflected narrowly over the bar for a corner and when the ball was swung into the box, Keane towered above everyone to head it into the net.
There was an instant let-off though when Fulham almost retook the lead within 60 seconds. Thankfully, Osmand’s angled effort hit the side-netting. Then Mackenzie Hunt came close after exchanging passes with Charlie Whitaker and Okoronkwo forced Borto into a low save shortly after.
The second Everton goal came from the spot in the 70th minute. Jenson Metcalfe, Patterson and Whitaker did really well to retain possession on the right and when the latter was upended in the box, Chermiti confidently fired home the penalty.
Substitute Katia Kouyate missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-1 after Whitaker had played him in but on 77, Everton did establish a two-goal advantage. Chermiti was again the scorer – his shot was just too powerful for the keeper who got something on it but couldn’t stop the ball rolling over the line.
Whitaker was sent-off with six minutes to go after tossing the ball away when he conceded a throw-in and was shown a second yellow card. In added time, Everton were reduced to nine men when Chermiti committed a similar offence and was also given a second yellow.
It was, however, a fine second-half display from Everton, who deservedly join PSV Eindhoven, West Ham and Crystal Palace in the last four.
