Cannon Strikes To Earn Under-18s A Point At Leeds

A second-half strike from Tom Cannon earned Everton Under-18s a 1-1 draw at Leeds in U18 Premier League (North).

Paul Tait’s young Blues fell behind to a Ronnie McGrath goal but came away from Yorkshire with a share of the spoils thanks to forward Cannon.

Everton struggled with the Leeds counter-attack early on, with winger McGrath striking the bar after cutting inside from the right onto his left foot.

In the 10th minute, Cannon forced Leeds keeper Dani van den Heuvel into a smart save at the near post after a quick counter from the Blues.

Two minutes later, the visitors continued to pressurise the Leeds goal. A free-kick from the right by Lewis Warrington was headed wide by defender Reece Welch.

But it was Leeds who struck first on 23 minutes. Lui Bradbury stole the ball and played through McGrath who slotted past keeper Zan-Luk Leban.

Everton almost hit back immediately as a free-kick from the left by Warrington was glanced onto the woodwork by Cannon at the near post.

Just before the break, Cannon continued to test Leeds keeper Van den Heuvel. Picking the ball up on the edge of the area, his powerful shot was beaten away at the near post by the Dutchman.

Two minutes after the restart, Cannon was inches from getting the Toffees level. A penetrating pass by Warrington saw the striker unleash a powerful strike that hit the underside of the bar and drop onto the goalline.

Manager Tait’s side got their equaliser on the hour mark, however. 

A long ball over the top by Charlie Whitaker was collected by Cannon, his initial shot was well saved at the near post, but the rebound was then smashed home past Van den Heuvel.

With 20 minutes to go, captain Sean McAllister unleashed a thunderous strike from 30 yards that just curled past the far post as Everton tried to turn the game on its head.

Leeds almost snatched the winner in the 90th minute but Leban produced a great save down to his left to deny Bradbury from close range.

The result sees Everton stay in sixth position as they turn their attention to the Merseyside derby next Saturday at Liverpool (11am kick-off).