Key points
Everton U18s have been eliminated from the FA Youth Cup following a 3-0 defeat against Man City.
Keith Southern’s side were reduced to 10 men in the second-half, with a controversial penalty also given against Demi Akarakiri.
Everton’s top academy prospect Braiden Graham, who usually represents the U21s, was unable to have his usual impact on the game, which was overshadowed by the referee.
There was plenty of effort from the Young Blues, but the game was taken away from them with some poor decisions from the official.
Which player do you think could be next to shine in Everton’s first team? 🤩
There's some really exciting youngsters currently at Finch Farm 🔥
Everton can hold their heads up high, but it is City who make it through to the final four following goals from Floyd Samba, Reigan Heskey and Teddie Lamb.
That is all for now
Thank you for tuning in for tonight’s FA Youth Cup action. Not the result we wanted, but keep up on Everton News for more match reaction.
[Link]Refereeing madness
Looking back on the penalty awarded to Man City: Demi Akarakiri takes the ball.
And looking back on the sending off for Olayiwola: Malik must have said something as his challenge did not even receive an appeal from the opponent.
[Link]Full time: Man City 3-0 Everton
That is the end of Everton’s journey in the FA Youth Cup. A tough task for the Young Blues, but ultimately decided by two really poor refereeing decisions.
[Link]McEveley goes close
16-year-old Harlow McEveley attempts an overhead kick. Not too far over the bar.
[Link]Everton still fighting for a goal
The game has ran away from Everton, but the Blues are not going to go down without a fight.
[Link]10 minutes remain
Only 10 more minutes to go. Everton need a miracle. They can hold their heads up high, though. City have been the better side, but some of the decisions made have been farcical.
[Link]Goal – City secure the win
Well this is going to be the end for the Young Blues. Teddie Lamb has just come on and he makes it 3-0 to the hosts.
The referee has completely flipped the game on its head in this second half.
[Link]Goal – City double their lead
He’s been a threat all night and Reigan Heskey gets his goal through a curling, right-footed effort.
He looks a real player this lad!
[Link]Lukjanciks denies Samba
Floyd Samba takes aim from range to double his tally, but Lukjanciks makes a smart save.
[Link]Olayiwola seemingly sent off for dissent
It would appear that Olayiwola has said something to the referee that he did not like. The referee has certainly made himself the storyline for a well-contested affair up to this point.
[Link]Red card for Malik Olayiwola
Suddenly Everton are down to 10 men after the referee has shown Olayiwola a straight red card. No idea what for…
[Link]Goal – Man City take the lead
Samba sends Lukjanciks the wrong way.
Keith Southern will absolutely furious as that was never a penalty.
[Link]Penalty to Man City
Akarakiri apparently Floyd Samba to the amazement of everyone. After seeing a replay the Everton man clearly takes the ball.
[Link]Not many clear chances
It has been a fairly quiet start to the second 45 minutes. Everton have just managed to get some hold on the game.
[Link]First yellow card of the night
Ceiran Loney is shown a yellow card after pulling a City defender back to prevent a counter-attack.
[Link]Everton withstand Man City pressure
Aside from the odd counter-attack, that was a half dominated by City. Everton have struggled to retain possession and struggled to get the best out of players like Shea Pita.
[Link]Half-time
Everton go into the break all square after a dominant display from City. Everton have had their chances, but it is the hosts who have gone closest to opening the scoring.
[Link]Four minutes to be added on
After Graham and Pita’s injuries, there will be a minimum of four added minutes.
[Link]Heskey goes close again
Reigan Heskey – son of Emile – looks a real talent for the hosts. He cuts inside onto his right foot, but his shot blazes over the bar.
[Link]City hit the bar
A curled effort from winger Floyd Samba suddenly drops out of the sky and hits the Everton bar.
[Link]Loney goes close
Everton catch Man City on the counter-attack. Shea Pita delivers a perfect cross for Ceiran Loney, but he can only poke the ball wide.
[Link]Everton cannot hold onto the ball
It has been fairly relentless from the hosts. Everton just cannot keep a hold of the ball when they get it.
[Link]Olayiwola strikes from distance
Malik Olayiwola has looked really dangerous on the attack. His effort from range is parried by the Man City goalkeeper.
[Link]Pita looks set to continue
It looks as if Pita will come back on, but he did have a grimace on his face.
[Link]Shea Pita down with an issue
This is not a good sign as Shea Pita is the latest to require medical attention. The winger has gone down without any contact from an opposition player.
[Link]How have Everton not conceded?
Lukjanciks spills a Man City shot and somehow the City forward misses the rebound hitting the post from yards out.
A real let-off for Everton!
[Link]Poland and Graham linking up well
More great link-up play between Graham and Poland. The left-back surges into the box but his shot is saved.
[Link]Delightful Graham back heel
Graham receives the ball and Poland makes a brilliant overlapping run, which sees Graham cleverly back heel the ball into the left-back’s path.
[Link]Heskey forces a save
Reigan Heskey cuts inside – just like Graham did – and forces a smart save out of Lukjanciks.
[Link]Two corners defended by City
Everton saw a header tipped over the bar before their second resulting corner led to nothing.
[Link]Braiden Graham takes aim…
Graham receives the ball outside of the box and cuts inside on to his right foot. His fierce shot is deflected over for a corner.
[Link]Man City looking dangerous going forward
Everton have not been set-up to let Man City run the match, but the hosts do look dangerous on the break.
[Link]Braiden Graham receiving treatment
Graham falls awkwardly from a contested header. The Everton star is receiving medical attention from the physios.
[Link]It is chucking it down! 🌧️
The rain is coming down with some force here in Manchester. Players about to come out of the tunnel.
[Link]Kick-off in just 10 minutes!
This is your 10 minute reminder. Go stick the kettle on and get ready for an eveing of FA Youth Cup action.
[Link]Who to keep an eye out for
Aside from Graham, Everton fans should keep an eye on Demi Akarakiri and Shea Pita.
Pita scored the opening goal of the previous round against the Tractor Boys, and he has gone on to impress with the U21s since.
[Link]Keith Southern excited for Man City test
“The boys and the Club have earned the right to be here,” said Southern.
“We’ve got a massive challenge ahead, one that I hope the players embrace and rise to and meet head on because I’m really excited and what we can produce on Friday night.”
[Link]Braiden Graham set for lead role
Braiden Graham makes the starting XI as expected. The 18-year-old is set for the leading role in the side after inspiring the victory against Ipswich Town last month.
Paul Tait has admitted Graham could make his Everton debut under David Moyes, but he would need to play off the wing.
[Link]Very strong starting XI for Everton
That is a strong starting XI from Keith Southern. Goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks drops back down from the U21s as I suggested.
George Pickford’s loan exit for Southport handed Lukjanciks a promotion to Paul Tait’s side, but he returns for the cup clash.
[Link]Everton U18s starting XI
Lukjanciks; Lambert, Poland, Evans, McEveley, Matos, Pita, Akarakiri, Loney, Olayiwola, Graham.
Substitutes: Patrick, Wren, Robert, Murdock, Doughty, Brookes, Nsangou.
[Link]How to watch
Everton U18s will be looking for a spot in the last four of the FA Youth Cup, with the game being played over in Manchester.
Unlike the previous round, this game will be streamed for free over on the FA Cup’s YouTube channel.
For full details, click HERE.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
Kick-off from the Joie Stadium is at 7pm GMT. The stadium is located just across the road from the Etihad Stadium
[Link]Man City U18s vs Everton
Welcome to Everton News’ live coverage of Manchester City U18s vs Everton in the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup.
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