Everton under-21s assistant coach Keith Southern believes his side will have no problem bouncing back after exiting the Premier League Cup at the hands of Bristol City.
Young Blues boss Paul Tait opted to freshen things up for the game, with Jack Barrett, Isaac Heath, Einar Iversen and Liam Higgins all coming into his side. However, Tait’s men got off to the worst possible start.
Just a minute was on the clock when Marlee Francois went down inside the box, with referee Robert Massey-Ellis having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Seb Palmer-Houlden converted from 12-yards before Sam Pearson added a second for the Robins eight minutes later.
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But Everton, to their credit, showed resolve in the second-half and reduced the arrears when Francis Okoronkwo netted his tenth goal of the season. But it wasn’t enough for Tait’s side who now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Premier League International Cup clash against Dinamo Zagreb before they take on Manchester United in the league next Saturday.
"We started slowly and gifted them a goal after 45 seconds with a cheap penalty,” Southern told evertonfc.com after the game.
“At half-time, it wasn’t about changing the game plan it was more about giving the players belief, and we showed great spirit in the second half.
“We came close on several occasions and we should’ve really taken the game into extra-time.
"It's obviously disappointing but it shows we have to start every game on the front foot. This is a development group and it’s all about learning.
“We’ve got two big games coming up, but we’ll make sure we’re prepared. It’s Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday and then Manchester United next weekend, and we’ll definitely be ready for both.”
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