Under-18s Suffer League Defeat At Home To Derby

A youthful Everton Under-18s suffered a 4-1 Premier League U18 (North) defeat at home to Derby County.

The visitors proved the more clinical of the two sides on the afternoon, with Rams striker Israel Green grabbing a hat-trick and Charlie Smith notching a penalty, with young midfielder Harry Brookes notching his first league goal for the Under-18s in the second half in consolation.

The Toffees were up against it as early as the fifth minute, with Green heading home at the back post from a corner before Smith converted from the spot in the 23rd minute.

It was 3-0 just before half-time as Green notched his second, again heading past goalkeeper Seve Patrick from a corner.

Brookes pulled one back late in the second half with an excellent left-footed finish to the top corner as the Blues, with plenty of the ball in the final third but lacking a cutting edge, looked to get back into the game, but Green put the result beyond all doubt by tapping in from close range after beating the offside trap from the second phase of a corner.

Speaking to evertonfc.com, Head Coach Keith Southern said: “The score was (a fair reflection) because if you don’t take your chances at one end, and don’t defend the box at the other, you’re likely to come out on the end of a 4-1.

“We had many opportunities in and around their box, including two one-on-ones, which we didn’t capitalise on. Then if you don’t defend the box well enough you’re in trouble and we conceded three goals from corner kicks.

“We had an even share of possession but we just didn’t take our chances.

“The boys have done amazingly this season in terms of their performances, their application and the results they’ve achieved. I’m always fair and honest with them and I told them we fell below what we’ve produced this season (today).

“I would say we didn’t turn up today, and it’s probably the first time this season that we haven’t. But we’ve got an opportunity to bounce back this weekend.”

The Under-18s return to league action on Saturday as they host Newcastle United.