Branthwaite preserves win for Everton Under-21s in seven-goal thriller

Yesterday at 07:36 AM

First team defenders Branthwaite and Patterson mark return to competitive gametime

There were some smiling faces at The Pure Stadium in Southport on Sunday afternoon. Everton Under 21s took on their Sunderland counterparts and fielded two first team players returning from long term injury, Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson. While they were clearly happy to be back playing, it was probably nothing compared to the delight of the supporters who would like to see the pair back in action for Sean Dyche's first team.

Branthwaite lined up in a back 3 that also featured18 year-olds Bradley Moonan and Odin Samuels-Smith. Patterson, meanwhile, lined up on the right of a 4 man midfield, essentially as a wing back. The full team was as below:

The match itself saw Paul Tait's side fall behind just after the 20 minute mark as Watson was allowed too much room to carry the ball forward before arrowing home a fine 25 yard shot past George Pickford. The ball went in off the left hand post, there was little the Blues' goalkeeper could do. 0-1.

The lead lasted just minutes though, as Omari Benjamin was sharpest to react to convert a fine run and left wing cross by Isaac Heath. Heath, lined up at left wing back, his fourth different position this season at this level. 1-1.

The Black Cats took the lead again before the interval however, as the Toffees got caught short at the back with Samuels-Smith trying his best to hold up the attack until reinforcements arrived. Although Branthwaite made ground up and tried a valiant effort to block the scoring shot by Aouchiche, it beat Pickford and the covering Patterson on the goal-line. 1-2.

Immediately after the restart, the Toffees were level as, following fine approach work by Heath and Charlie Whitaker, Benjamin was clearly held in the area. Whitaker fired home the resultant penalty, just beyond the goalkeeper's dive, 2-2

Just after the hour, that pair combined again to put the Blues in the lead for the first time as, following a very patient 16-man passing move, Whitaker's shot was saved. However, the alert and impressive ex-Arsenal youngster Benjamin knocked in the rebound. 3-2.

That lead lasted only 6 minutes unfortunately as, with the Blues unable to clear a bouncing ball in their area, Ba made it 3-3 despite a last ditch tackle attempt by Samuels-Smith.

The Blues showed their resilience again, as demonstrated against Watford 10 days earlier. It was substitute Jack Patterson, no relation to Nathan, whose 88th minute cross was perfectly controlled then dispatched by fellow substitute, left back Jack Butler, 4-3.

That's the way it stayed but not before firstly Pickford had made a fabulous point blank save then Branthwaite had demonstrated his fitness and commitment to the cause with an acrobatic goal-line clearance to preserve the lead. Final score, 4-3.

The positives?

Two major ones for the club as a whole in that England international Branthwaite managed 90 minutes and Scotland international Patterson managed a pre-planned 60 minutes.

For the Under 21s themselves, this was a fine way to respond after the 1-4 humbling at Stockport last week. Striker Benjamin looked increasingly sharp and added another few opportunist goals and won a penalty. Heath showed his increasing confidence and versatility which might serve him well. Finally, the last laugh would have to go to Butler who endured a tough night against Stockport but showed his class by skilfully notching the late winner.

The game highlights are below:

Next up is a long trip to Suffolk in the Premier League Cup on Thursday evening, hopefully without Branthwaite!! Good luck lads!