Report: Everton Reserves lose out to Liverpool Reserves

A young Toffees side were beaten in this seasons’ first “mini Merseyside derby” against Liverpool Reserves, as Andy Holden’s men fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Halton Stadium.

It was almost as you were from the reserves’ last game against Bolton, Hope Akpan replacing Nathan Craig in the only change.

The game began in a lively fashion, with Adam Forshaw and Akpan both receiving yellow cards in the opening exchanges.  Chances were few and far between in the first half, with Jose Baxter guilty of the clearest miss.

A good cross from James Wallace was flicked on by Hope Akpan, but Baxter was unable to beat Peter Gulacsi and the score remained goalless.  Liverpool came close soon after with Nathan Eccleston the guilty party this time round.  The Mancunian managed to find time and space in the box from a Poloskei corner but could only find the side netting.

As the half hour closed in, Liverpool looked the more likely side to break the deadlock.

Chrys Mavinga could have made it 1-0 but powered his header at the crossbar with Adam Davies appearing beaten.  Eccleston once again came close ten minutes later but Davies was equal to his 30 yard strike at the second time of asking.

The young Toffees appeared to have repelled all Liverpool could throw at them and with half time approaching, would’ve been happy to go in at the break goalless.  This wasn’t to be though. Eccleston worked his way into the penalty area but was brought to the ground by a clumsy challenge by Shane Duffy.  Fresh from making his Premier League debut at the weekend, Eccleston stepped up and powered his penalty down the middle to make it 1-0 to the Reds.

It was almost a dream response for Duffy as Everton powered straight down the other end, but his header from Bidwell’s corner went over the bar.

The second half progressed once again with few clear cut chances; Cody Arnoux replaced Jose Baxter with 25 to go after the 17-year old received a booking.

With 20 minutes ago, Everton came agonisingly close to an equaliser.  Confusion in the Liverpool backline resulted in Gulacsi heading straight to Agard; the front man took advantage and fired the loose ball towards goal.  Unfortunately, the effort was intercepted by the arm of Threlfall and Everton were rewarded a spot kick of their own.  Agard stepped up, but his effort smashed against the post and away from goal.

The youngsters continued to press to their credit; however they couldn’t break down the Liverpool defence.

As the clock ran down, Liverpool were able to hold the lead and remain joint top of the Barclays Reserve North Division.  For the young Toffees, Holden’s men will look to regroup and get back to winning ways against Wigan Athletic next week.

By Martyn Biddulph