Mampala Has Final Say In Five-Goal Thiller

Everton Under-18s coach Paul Tait praised his side’s character after they edged West Bromwich Albion in a five-goal thriller at USM Finch Farm.

- Connor O'Neill

Goals from Korede Adedoyin and Manasse Mampala, either side of an Anthony Gordon stunner, ensured the young Blues collected their first three points of 2018.

Tait’s side had to endure an early onslaught from their visitors, with goalkeeper Nicolas Hansen denying both Zak Brown and Nick Phillips in the opening 20 minutes of the game.

And the visitors’ pressure told 12 minutes before the break when Dan Meredith fired the Baggies ahead. George Harmon and Morgan Rogers exchanged passes down the left, before Harmon pulled the ball back to Meredith, who coolly side-footed into the far corner of the net.

To their credit, Tait’s side rallied and, in a five-minute spell, turned the game on its head.

First, Adedoyin drew the young Toffees level when he scrambled home Alex Denny’s free-kick from close range.