U18s Premier League North

Everton 1 (Lawrence 25’)

Leeds United 4 (Thomas 21’ Andreucci 82’, 85’, Diboe 90+6’)

Everton: Nash (GK), Dixon, Samuels-Smith, Campbell (C), Wilson, Metcalf, Lawrence, Jagne, Sheriff, Heath (Baker 71’), Okoronkwo. Subs not used: Graham, Jones, Smikle-James, Wright.

Leeds United: Christy (GK), Diboe, Ferguson, Spencer, Toulson, Dawber, McGrath, Coleman (C), Thomas, Gray, Bradbury (Andreucci 68’). Subs not used: Baird, Douglas, Lopta-White, Richards.

Venue: Finch Farm

Booked: Dawber, Coleman (Leeds) Campbell, Metcalf (Everton)

The Whites secured all three points away from home after an impressive victory on Merseyside.

Leeds came into the match unbeaten in their last two, following a 1-1 draw in against Newcastle United last time out. The Toffees however, had lost their last game to local rivals Liverpool.

The Whites got off to a bright start and Morten Spencer was gifted a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead inside five minutes. A long ball from Dan Toulson caused confusion at the back for the hosts, a misplaced header fell to the feet of Spencer and with Pat Nash in no man’s land the goal was left gaping, but he saw his effort agonisingly go the wrong side of the post.

The Toffees had their first real chance on 15 minutes. Everton pressed high and won the ball back and were allowed to counter. Emilio Lawrence ran at the heart of the defence and took his shot at goal, but luckily for Leeds his effort shaved the cross bar.

The Whites took the lead in the 21^st minute courtesy of in-form striker Luca Thomas. After an initial corner didn’t go where intended, it was kept alive by Cian Coleman on the edge of the box. He found Thomas, who cut onto his left foot and his low powerful effort found the bottom corner.

Leeds weren’t able to hold onto their lead for very long as the hosts equalised just five minutes later. A sloppy pass at the back led to Everton having a four-on-three attack which Lawrence was at the heart of. He saw his first effort blocked but the ball fell back at his feet and the second attempt found the roof of the net.

An even first half with limited chances for both sides saw the teams go into the break level.

HALF TIME: Everton 1-1 Leeds United 

Everton had a chance to take the lead at the start of the second half. Francis Okoronkwo cut inside onto his right foot, he unleashed a curling effort from range, but Harry Christy produced a wonderful fingertip save to prevent the attacker from scoring.

After a quiet second half the game became more open with both sides stretched. The visitors had several chances to take the lead on and around the 70-minute mark after a constant flow of attack from Leeds.

This led to an opportunity for Thomas to put his side back ahead after he was slipped through on goal, but he saw his low effort saved well by Nash.

Leeds’ pressure paid off as they took the lead in the 81^st minute. Only brought onto the pitch 10 minutes earlier, Ben Andreucci was on the receiving end of an inch perfect pass from Thomas. The forward took the ball in his stride, rounded the keeper, and put the Whites deservedly 2-1 up.

Scott Gardner’s side didn’t stop there as shortly after they extended their lead. Once again it was Andreucci who this time scored his second of the afternoon. After great attacking play from Leeds and lovely one touch passing on the edge of the box, Coleman slipped Andreucci through on goal, he wrong footed the keeper and slotted it home from eight yards out.

Leeds had sprung into life in the last 15 minutes and in the dying moments of the game the Whites made it 4-1. Thomas played a lovely diagonal ball to McGrath, he beat his man and squared it to Diboe who had an empty net to tap the ball home and secure the points.

This fantastic performance away from home lifts the Whites into 7^th and above Everton in the table on goal difference. Gardner’s side now look towards their clash against Nottingham Forest next week.

FULL TIME: Everton 1- 4 Leeds United