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Tait Praises Character In Last-Gasp Cup Win

Paul Tait has praised the character of his Everton Under-21 side as they scored two stoppage-time goals to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the Papa John’s Trophy on Wednesday night.   

His Young Blues were handed the worst possible start after falling behind to the League Two outfit inside five minutes when Mansfield’s Rhys Oats converted from a corner. Tait’s side soon eased into the game though and pushed hard for a response.

Despite a strong second-half showing, Everton looked set to fall short but then in stoppage two late strikes from Liam Higgins and Tom Cannon secured a dramatic turnaround for the Blues and set up a last 16 tie against Lincoln City.   

“The character and desire that they showed was really class,” said Tait to evertonfc.com. “They’re such an honest group and they kept going and kept going.  

“We talked about set-plays and how they would be a danger, and to go a goal down from a set-play after five minutes, it’s a real kick in the teeth.  

“But I thought we dominated for large periods, created chances, we just weren’t good enough in the final third to take those chances. We lacked that cutting edge and that bit of pace and power to get in against a men’s team, so we just tried a bit of a different approach.

“We got lads on, we filled the middle of the pitch, played more one touch football around their box and we’ve got the two goals, great credit to them.”   

Goalscorer Higgins was one of those introduced for the second half, and the Everton boss was pleased he got himself on the scoresheet after what’s been a tough period for the 19-year-old with injuries.  

“I’m made up for Higgy, he’s been out for a long time. He’s had a couple of reincurring injuries, that’s his first game in a long time and what he has got is the ability to finish, and he’s got real pace.”  

Tait was also keen to heap praise on Cannon who was returning to the Under-21s starting XI after grabbing his first senior goal in last week’s 5-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in the Sydney Super Cup.   

The 19-year-old played a decisive role in both goals, setting the first one up for Higgins before netting the winner in the 94th minute.   

“He’s done that all season. He was a bit frustrated tonight, he didn’t get a load of chances, but he keeps going because of his character and because of the type of kid he is, and he wins the game for us.”  

Tait also revealed that he received a special call before the game and after it from club chairman Bill Kenwright who was over the moon with the result and keen to congratulate the Everton manager and his team.  

“The Chairman rang me before the game to wish myself and the players all the best, he’s been following us in the tournament, and he was the first to ring just now, he’s delighted, and I am pleased for him.  

“We’re now looking forward to the game against Lincoln away, another massive test for the boys, but they should take massive belief from tonight.”  

The tie against Lincoln is expected to take place at the LNER Stadium on Tuesday 13 December, and further information will be provided by evertonfc.com in due course.