Key points
Everton U21s have now seen their season come to an end with defeat away to Huddersfield Town.
Two extra-time goals sealed the fate for Paul Tait’s side, with a sending off for Kingsford Boakye proving pivotal.
The Everton winger was brought on to make a difference, but the 21-year-old was booked for a debatable second yellow for simulation.
Two games to go… where do you see Everton actually finishing in the table? 😫
Europe now feels incredibly unlikely… 👋
A difficult evening for Tait’s side, who will now have a couple of weeks training ahead of them at Finch Farm.
That’s all, folks.
It will be interesting to see what lies ahead of some of these U21s players over the coming weeks and months.
Keep your eyes peeled over on Everton News, where we will be bringing you the latest from both the first-team and the Everton academy.
And make sure you let us know your thoughts over on TalkingPoints – thousands of Evertonians are already voicing their opinions.
[Link]Frustration for Everton
Everton should have killed the game off in the latter stages of regular time. However, the sending off for Boakye completely turned the game on its head.
[Link]Everton still pushing
Huddersfield have backed off and allowed Everton to push forward. Just five minutes remain.
[Link]Referee has ruined this game
The sending off for Boakye has completely ruined Everton’s chances.
[Link]Extra-time HT: Huddersfield 2-1 Everton
Everton need to find a goal from somewhere or their season is over.
[Link]Huddersfield take the lead
James Spencer puts the hosts in the lead. Nothing George Pickford could do about that. Everton look very tired.
[Link]Huddersfield hit the post again
For the third time tonight, Huddersfield cannon one off the post.
[Link]More on the sending off
Boakye gets at the Huddersfield Town defender inside the box. He goes down, but there is contact. Not enough for a penalty, but not a dive.
[Link]Boakye sent off
Boakye sent off for a second yellow after the referee believes he’s dived. Not sure about that one.
[Link]Benjamin could have scored
Kingsford Boakye does well down the right side, but Benjamin is unable to flick his cross home.
[Link]Winners in this game will play Norwich City U21
Norwich City have fought from behind to beat Nottingham Forest.
[Link]Kingsford Boakye shown a yellow
A late yellow card for Kingsford Boakye. Looks like we’re going to extra-time.
[Link]Everton pushing for a late winner
Not long to go. Only one side pushing for a winner and it is Everton.
[Link]15 minutes left
Clock is ticking down on Everton. It is time for a hero to step up, otherwise we are going to penalties.
[Link]Harvey Foster skies it
Graham lays it off to Harvey Foster on the edge of the box, but his effort is always rising.
20 minutes left.
[Link]Good effort from Benjamin
Omari Benjamin takes aim from the edge of the box. Good save from the goalkeeper.
[Link]The tempo has fizzled out
The electric start to the second-half has completely fizzled out now.
[Link]First yellow card of the evening
Jay Sway is causing Everton all sorts of trouble. Luca Davis pulls him back to prevent the counter attack.
[Link]Strong save from Pickford
Much more tempo to this second-half. A shot from the edge of the box forces Pickford into a fine save.
[Link]Callum Bates heads it over
Luca Davis with a great cross into the box, but Bates is unable to direct his header on target.
[Link]Catesby has to do better
A lovely ball into the penalty area, but Catesby scruffs his volley. Should have been a goal for Everton.
[Link]Braiden Graham so close
An effort from range from Graham and it goes inches wide. Better start to the second-half.
[Link]Back underway
Huddersfield get the second-half underway. Just a reminder this could go to extra-time and penalties.
[Link]Half-time thoughts…
Not a great opening 45 minutes from Paul Tait’s side, to be honest.
Huddersfield have hit the woodwork twice and looked the more dangerous side when they have got forward.
No need to panic, though. Everton also struggled in the opening 45 against Brentford before blowing them away in the second half.
[Link]Half-time: Huddersfield 1-1 Everton
Everton will go into the break level, but Paul Tait unlikely to be happy with what he’s seen so far…
[Link]OWN GOAL! EVERTON ARE LEVEL
Everton catch a fortunate break. Great corner in from Shea Pita is headed into his own net by a Huddersfield man.
[Link]More on the goal
Sway picks up the ball at the halfway line and drives unchallenged before unleashing a driven, low effort beyond Pickford.
[Link]Akarakiri goes close
Good work from Graham, who feeds Akarakiri on the edge of the box. His effort hits the outside of the post.
[Link]Paul Tait is going to want more
10 minutes until the break and Tait will be demanding a lot more when he gets the lads in the dressing room.
[Link]Huddersfield hit the post again
Everton need to liven up. Failure to deal with a long throw sees another effort hit the post.
[Link]Unbelievable work from Catesby
Despite being surrounded by about five Huddersfield players, Catesby shows some fine footwork to dribble his way out of trouble. Unbelievable from him.
[Link]Graham switched to left-wing
20 minutes in and Paul Tait has switched Braiden Graham to left-wing, with Catesby at striker.
[Link]Save from Pickford
The hosts growing into the game now. Pickford forced into a save from another free-kick.
[Link]Huddersfield hit the post
The 37-year-old (yes, you read that right) Jonathan Hogg hits the post from just inside the box. Let off for Everton.
[Link]Fantastic work rate from Shea Pita
Young Shea Pita races back down the line to dispossess the Huddersfield winger. Brilliant effort from the Welshman.
[Link]Comfortable save for Pickford
George Pickford easily denies a header from a Terriers free-kick.
[Link]Strong start from the Young Blues
It is Everton enjoying most of the possession in Huddersfield. No clear chance on goal just yet.
[Link]Braiden Graham starting out on the wing
It is Shea Pita and Joel Catesby who are taking up the wide spots, with Graham through the middle.
[Link]🚨 This is your 10-minute warning!
Go get the kettle on as kick-off is now just 10 minutes away!
[Link]Huddersfield Town XI to face Everton U21s
XI: Hurl, Murray, Tawodzera, Neil, Togo (C), Hogg, Bowker, Vost, Sebine, Sway, Onyeka.
Subs: Wrigglesworth, Idemudia, Hughes, Fontoh, Spencer.
[Link]Who could Everton potentially face in the final?
If the Toffees can get through tonight’s semi-final, then a game against either Nottingham Forest U21s or Norwich City U21s awaits in the final.
[Link]Everton must win to keep season alive
Anything other than a victory for the Young Blues tonight will see their season come to an end.
Demi Akarakiri looking to score again
Amid his ongoing contract negotiations, Demi Akarakiri will be looking to head into the next round of talks on the back of another goal.
The midfielder scored against Brentford last time out as he continues to flourish at U21 level.
[Link]Big expectations on Braiden Graham
Graham has been playing on another level this season and he has carried his form into the play-offs.
Alongside George Pickford, Graham has been nominated for Player of the Season in an eight-man shortlist across the Premier League 2.
Joel Catesby returns to the starting XI
It is really good to see Joel Catesby back in the side. The 19-year-old suffered a really nasty injury earlier in the season.
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Not long now until team news!
After an emphatic victory last time out against Brentford U21s, Paul Tait will not be expected to make many changes, if any, to his Everton side.
[Link]How to watch Huddersfield U21s vs Everton
Huddersfield U21s vs Everton is being held at the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield, with fans able attend the game in person.
Click here to find out how you can watch the game from the comfort of your home.
But stay tuned on Everton News for live updates!
[Link]What time does Huddersfield U21s vs Everton kick-off?
Everton U21s’ semi-final against Huddersfield will be kicking off at the Accu Stadium at 7pm (BST).
[Link]Huddersfield U21s vs Everton LIVE
Welcome to Everton News’ coverage of Everton U21s’ semi-final clash against Huddersfield Town, with live updates from the Accu Stadium.
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