Having run out deserved winners of the Premier League 2 title last, much was always going to be expected of Everton youth teams this term.
Apart from the under-23’s defending their title, it is also hoped the under-21’s do well in the EFL Trophy this season having failed to make it out of the group last term.
They began their EFL Checkatrade Trophy campaign of the season on a losing note against Notts County on Tuesday night, though, and manager David Unsworth gave a reason why.
Following the 2-1 defeat, the Premier League 2-winning boss declared: “They were poor goals from our point of view.
“We let the striker use his body and turn us and we’d spoken about the importance of defending set pieces in this competition.
“It’s a real threat for League One and Two clubs because they’re bigger, taller and stronger than us. Set pieces in this competition are always going to be a threat.”
The young Blues shipped 2 first-half goals in quick succession, and despite mounting the pressure to make a comeback, Anton Donkor’s second-half strike was all they could manage to come up with in the end.
Summer arrival and teenage sensation Lewis Gibson came on in the second half and did put in an impressive performance that drew plaudits from Unsworth.
Everton under-21 will face Lincoln City and Mansfield Town next as they attempt to make it out of Northern Group G to the knockout stage rounds.
