“Under-18s Are A Joy To Be Around”

Paul Tait claimed his Everton Under-18 players were a “joy to be around” after the young Blues maintained their title bid with a determined 2-1 victory at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday.

c

- Paul McNamara

Tait’s Everton suffered an early blow when Rovers striker Kyle Connell’s fifth-minute, 25-yard thunderbolt defeated the Toffees’ American goalkeeper, Nicolas Defreitas-Hansen.

But after withstanding an aerial barrage from their hosts, the Blues gradually asserted their superiority on the contest and midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna levelled 11 minutes before the break.

Anthony Gordon stroked home from the spot on 52 minutes for his 12th goal in 10 league outings this season following a foul on centre-forward Manasse Mampala in the box.

Blackburn defender Hayden Carter was dismissed after collecting his second booking with three minutes to play, as Everton comfortably repelled their opponents late in the match to complete a fourth Under-18 Premier League success on the bounce.

“It is a really good environment to be in,” said Under- 18 coach Tait. “The attitude in training is great, the boys’ confidence is high and they are a joy to be around.