Southern Praises Resilience & Quality In Under-18s' Wolves Win

Keith Southern saluted the resilience and fight of his side as Everton Under-18s returned to winning ways at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Goals either side of the break from full-back Louis Poland and winger Shea Pita were enough for Southern’s youthful team, who held on resolutely after Wolves grabbed one back just past the hour through Jake Wilcox.

The victory on Saturday moved the Toffees to fourth in the Premier League Under-18s (North) table ahead of two enticing away fixtures at the end of the year against league leaders Manchester City and third-placed Manchester United.

The Blues were made to work for their sixth league victory of the season by Wolves, with Southern pleased both with the quality of the goals scored and the manner in which his side saw the three points out.

“We started really well and on the front foot,” Southern told evertonfc.com.

“We had some decent efforts on goal and made the breakthrough with a really positive piece of play. Louis Poland finished it nicely from left-back.

“They came back into it but again we started the second half really well. It was a great goal from Shea Pita to make it 2-0, but they got back into it, scored and we had to defend a little bit but we managed to see the game out.

“Everybody came through what was a tough game. We had two spells, 20 minutes in the first half and 20 in the second, which won us the game.

“We had to dig in, head some balls and clear some crosses, which you have to do to see out the win.”

The back four that saw out the three points included Under-16s centre-half Harlow McEveley and Under-15s defender Francis Boggan. Boggan was handed his first start for the Under-18s against Wolves after three appearances as a substitute, while McEveley made his fifth appearance for Southern’s side, four of which have been starts.

Southern, who was full of praise for how the two youngsters handled themselves after the Burnley game, is pleased to see both players grasping the opportunity afforded to them.

“Opportunities are there at this football club because we like to provide a pathway,” Southern said.

“Circumstances and injuries have dictated that these two lads have come into the group and they are doing well.

“But we’ve also get several scholars who are doing well as well and it’s very pleasing.”