Unlike Everton’s first team on Saturday, Paul Tait’s Under-21s got off to the best possible start on Friday night at the Big Help Stadium in Southport, as they faced Blackburn Rovers for the second time in six days. The previous Saturday, the Toffees had been beaten 3-0 by the same team at Finch Farm, with goalkeeper Harry Tyrer to thank for keeping the score low.

This time, in one of the first attacks in the 3rd minute, right wing Isaac Heath finished off a good move involving Roman Dixon and Francis Okoronkwo with a shot from the edge of the box. In truth, visiting goalkeeper Jack Barrett (one of Everton’s under-21 goalkeepers last season) could perhaps have done a little better. It set the tone for a brief period in which the Blues seemed to have the upper hand, and that was reinforced when right-back Dixonfresh from pre-season training with the first team, increased the lead to the second goal.

It’s unclear if it was a shot or a cross for striker Francis Okoronkwo, who may have touched the ball slightly. In any case, Okoronkwo’s movement across the 5.5-yard box distracted the Blackburn goalkeeper enough to double the score. The stadium announcer said it was Dixon’s, the video said it was Okoronkwo’s, I say Dixon’s. All we know for sure is that it was 2-0!

Ironically, Blackburn got off to a good start and were a good team with quick passing, with the outstanding Jake Batty providing some surging runs and strong defensive work at left back. The muscular 19-year-old, who hails from Liverpool, really looks the part and it’s a shame no one from the Blues’ scouting department was there to witness it!

The team from East Lancashire reduced the deficit to 0-0 shortly before half-time with a deflected shot (Okoronkwo’s attempted block was decisive this time). Pickford (George, not Jordan) could do little about it. To be honest, they didn’t deserve to be behind at all because, despite the goals, Everton didn’t look convincing, especially in defence. 2-1.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Blackburn dominating possession and Everton attempting to counterattack. Often it was small errors (delayed passes to the centre-forward or a poor final ball) that stalled Everton’s attacks.

The Blues made a number of substitutions towards the end of the game to freshen things up and no doubt to protect some players from over-exertion in their first 90 minutes of competition.

One of these substitutes, Martin Sherifwould prove decisive for the Toffees. As the game went into a very generous 6 minutes of added time, there was a break with Omari Benjamin and Sherif saw the former serve the latter with a perfectly timed pass and the young Dutchman finished with a wonderful shot into the top left corner. 3-1.

Having not seen any video footage of the U21s’ pre-season, it was good to see first-hand how they were developing and who was in form. The formation was largely the same as the first team in a 4-4-1-1 structure with the returning Charlie Whitaker behind lone striker Okoronkwo.

Who impressed?

Pickford was a very solid man behind the defence and made some very impressive saves. He has really good awareness, knows when to help his defenders by smothering or punching the ball away and is generally very alert. I was impressed.

Charlie Whitakerwho, after a terrible 18-month comeback from a serious injury, was the one trying to get things going. He didn’t always succeed, but it was nice to see how controlled and how far he was as he got just ahead of the midfield pair of Luke Butterfield And Halid Djankpata. He has also lost none of his bite, although his determination was clearly evident and skirmishes occurred from time to time.

Luke Butterfield, who was also plagued by injuries last season, patrolled in front of the back four and cleared the ball well and distributed it again.

Left defender Jack Butler, another one plagued by injuries last season, he looked calm when in possession and rarely missed a pass. His style is reminiscent of a certain classic Leighton Baines. If he continues to develop, we will have a good left-back.

Finally, replace Martin Sherif. His direct style and physicality caused more problems than when Okoronkwo was the main striker. His interaction with Omari Benjaminwho improved significantly after no longer playing on the left wing was encouraging. There’s a partnership there somewhere!

As for the others, Dixon was occasionally great up front, but to be honest, a bit sloppy at the back. Reece Welch was very uncomfortable in the early stages and misjudged some through balls, but in the second half he improved significantly as the pressure increased. The newcomer and central defender partner Will Tamen had to survive some tricky moments, but with a few timely and brave blocks on shots on goal he showed that he has potential. He is definitely a great unit! The new signing from Arsenal, Benjamin He looked awkward and ineffective as a left winger, but he showed good pace throughout and when he did drift inside into more comfortable attacking areas he caused real problems.

A winning start is exactly what Paul Tait was hoping for and it feels like his team will get stronger as they compete together more often. Good luck for the season!