Everton’s Under 21’s scored two last gaps goals to dump Mansfield Town out of the EFL Trophy.
Mansfield took the lead after just 6 minutes. Rhys Oates, heading from close range from the in-swinging corner from George Maris.
Everton’s first attempt at goal came from Tom Cannon on ten minutes, who fired straight at The Stag’s goalkeeper Scott Flinders.
Irish man Stephen McLaughlin was booked for a high tackle on right back Roman Dixon who had to go off at halftime due to injury.
Jordan Bowery failed to keep his composure to extended Mansfield’s lead at half time.
Mansfield Manager Nigel Clough made three changes at halftime to give players a rest before the crucial weekend game against Colchester. Maris, Kellan Gordon and McLaughlin all made way for Elliott Hewitt, Lucas Akins and George Lapslie.
Ten minutes into the first half Clough made another change replacing Oates with Hiram Boateng.
Chances for both sides were few and far between until midway through the second half. Mansfield’s captain for the night James Perch fired wide from 20 yards.
The Toffees made 2 changes with seven minutes to go with Stanley Mills and Francis Okoronkwo making way for Owen Barker and Katia Kouyate.
5 minutes of added suited Everton nicely. Liam Higgins slotted home from close range to equalise, and in the final minute with penalties looming, Sebastian Quirk set up Tom Cannon who chipped Mansfield goalkeeper Scott Flinders.
“The character and desire that they showed was really class. They’re such an honest group and they kept going and kept going." 💪#EFCU21 boss Paul Tait on last night's dramatic @PapaJohnsTrophy victory. 🔵
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) December 1, 2022
