Everton Under-21s were left to rue missing several golden opportunities while leading as they were held to a 1-1 draw by their Liverpool counterparts in the Mini Derby at Southport’s Haig Avenue after going down to 10 men.
The Blues took the lead 13 minutes into the contest as Norwegian midfielder Einar Iversen delivered a reaching ball over the top of the Liverpool defence to find Mills who netted with a delicately lobbed effort over advancing goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga. Everton continued to fashion the better of the chances with Mills again going close with a back post header from Katia Kouyate’s left wing cross.
Jenson Metcalfe, who was one of the most-creative outlets among Paul Tait’s hard-working side, despatched an inviting free-kick across the face of the Liverpool area but Everton couldn’t get a body on the end of it while centre-forward Francis Okoronkwo twice flashed efforts just wide. Indeed, the Reds’ best opportunity of the first half came when the otherwise impressive Blues keeper Billy Crellin almost got caught out with what would have been a self-inflicted wound.
REACTION: Everton U21s vs Liverpool U21s live
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In an incident somewhat reminiscent of a Merseyside Derby in 2000 before these lads were born when the ball went into the Liverpool net after Sander Westerveld’s kick was closed down by Everton’s Don Hutchison, only for referee Graham Poll to inexplicably blow up for full-time – a decision years later he would later admit was wrong – Crellin’s attempted punt hit opposition striker Layton Stewart. However, it must have been a big relief for the Ulsterman as the ball ricocheted away to safety rather than towards his goal.
With Everton squandering more chances to extend their lead after the break though, Liverpool inevitably had opportunities of their own with Billy Koumetio and Ben Doak both going close from close range and a wildly-struck clearance from Blues captain Sean McAllister dropping just over his own crossbar. Tait’s side should have been out of sight but for all his strength leading the line, number nine Okoronkwo’s profligacy in front of goal was becoming increasingly frustrating with a series of shots hit too close to Pitaluga rather than picking his spot with the instincts you’d want from your main striker.
Everton were therefore left clinging on to their slender advantage with Liverpool fashioning an effort similar to the move for Mills’ goal but substitute Max Woltman’s chip went over the bar. With less than five minutes remaining there was a major flashpoint as Blues’ left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith was sent off by referee Aaron Jackson for a challenge on Doak and with the extra man advantage, the Reds finally levelled proceedings.
Left-back Owen Beck marauded forward and had time to pick his spot at the back post with a low cross to Woltman who tapped in from close range for a 90th minute equaliser. There was still time for the impressive Mills to launch a counter at the other end but with the angle tight, he was unable to pick out a team-mate and in truth after dominating for long periods, the Blues were probably relieved when the full-time whistle blew.
Everton: Billy Crellin, Sean McAllister, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Reece Welch, Elijah Campbell, Einar Iversen (Isaac Price 34), Stanley Mills, Jenson Metcalfe, Francis Okoronkwo, Halid Djankpata, Katia Kouyate
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