U18 Premier League North
Everton 0
Leeds United 3 (Wilson 43’ 47’ 68’)
Everton: Pickford (GK), Lambert, Van Schoor, Finney, Thomas, Foster, Beaumont-Clark (C), Bates, Morgan, Wren (Stewart 69’), Catesby. Subs not used: Grainger, Moses, Olayiwola, Poland.
Leeds: Mahady (GK), Richards, Bird, Toulson (C), Cresswell, Lopata-White, McDonald (Billet 88’), Chadwick (Simo 90’), Wilson, Pickles, Brown (Render 65’). Subs not used: Firth, Grainger.
Referee: Kieran Chell
Booked: Catesby (Everton)
Venue: Finch Farm
Leeds United Under-18s faced Everton on Saturday afternoon at Finch Farm. Scott Gardner's side came into the game looking to bounce back after defeat to Manchester United last week, whilst the home side also came into the game without a win in two games.
It was the away side that started the faster in the match and looked to try and take advantage of their early dominance.
Following a series of blocks in and around the area, the ball finally fell the way of Oliver Pickles who whipped an effort from outside the box but it went narrowly wide.
The Toffees had their first chance of the game when a cross was cleared as far as Harvey Foster on the edge of the box. He returned it by drilling an effort through the crowd, but Rory Mahady in the Leeds goal denied the midfielder.
Minutes before the break, the Whites had their breakthrough. Josh McDonald weaved his way past the defenders and played a smart pass to Marley Wilson, who took a touch and slotted his effort into the back of the net!
The goal meant that Gardner’s side took a one-goal advantage into the break away from home and it was a deserved lead.
HALF TIME: Everton 0-1 Leeds United
Straight after the break, Leeds were on the front foot and quickly earned themselves a penalty after first-half scorer Wilson was tripped inside the area.
From the resulting spot kick, Wilson stepped up himself and calmly placed his effort down the middle, sending the keeper the wrong way and doubling the advantage for his side.
On the hour mark, a dropping ball fell to Rhys Chadwick who struck a long-distance volley goalwards, but it was saved well by George Pickford in the Everton net.
Not long after, it was three! A superb passage of play down the right-hand side from the Whites ended with Chadwick drilling a low cross that Wilson back heeled, to score in fantastic fashion and get his hat-trick!
This rounded off the action at Finch Farm on Saturday afternoon, meaning the Leeds claimed all three points.
Gardner’s side will now look to keep the momentum going, as they are set to face Nottingham Forest next week in the U18 Premier League North.
FULL TIME: Everton 0-3 Leeds United
