Everton’s two hottest prospects scored two goals apiece as Everton’s u21 and u18 sides completed a clean sweep weekend of football for the men’s teams.
On Friday night Everton u21s beat West Brom 3-0 away and it was 18-year-old striker Braiden Graham who shone with two goals in the impressive victory.
Young Northern Irish midfielder Jack Patterson opened the scoring with a superb drive from the edge of the area and it was the combative midfielder’s tackle that set up Braiden Graham for his first of the day. A superb run and cross by Luca Davis, who usually plays as a centre half but was deputising as right back in George Finney’s absence, allowed Graham to slot in a third.
Paul Tait’s side played a three at the back system that was drastically different to that of the first team. Despite the unusual tactic there were two other solid performances in centre half Will Tamen, who was unlucky not to score from a corner, and striker George Morgan, who led the line well throughout.
On Saturday the u18s thrashed Blackburn Rovers 4-0 at Finch Farm. The game was notable for a double from Malik Olayiwola, who returns to the side after his time with England u17s last week.
Ray Robert continued his fine goalscoring form this season with the opener, making it five in nine games for the u18s.
Left back Louis Poland also got his name on the scoresheet and there were some interesting selections to note for the young side. It included 14-year-old Francis Boggin, who is usually a central midfielder, taking his turn to fill in at right back because the squad does not include a natural right sided defender.
Youngster Harry Brookes also started at the age of just 16, while 15-year-old Jon Nsangou was on the bench for the u18s. They have moved up to fifth in the early league table after the result.
Outside the club, several youngsters made loan appearances through the Football League and beyond. Isaac Heath delivered an assist in Accrington’s 3-3 draw with Chesterfield, while Martin Sherif and Francis Okoronkwo were brought on as substitutes for Rotherham and Lincoln respectively in their League One clash.
Fraser Barnsley continued his superb form for Marine with another clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Leamington and Odin Samuel-Smith also played 83 minutes on the left side of defence.
Finally, Goodness Gospel-Eze continues to impress in goal for Burscough as they beat Ashton in the FA Vase 3-1.