Everton U21s were held to a goalless draw by Ipswich Town U21s this evening in the Premier League Cup, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough in a game that lacked a clinical edge, writes Callum Sims from Finch Farm.
Ipswich started strongest and had a golden opportunity to take the lead after just 12 minutes. A well-executed one-two sent Tommy Taylor through with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his effort narrowly missed the target, rolling inches wide of the post.
The Toffees struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages, with their first and only attempt of the first half coming in the 22nd minute. Youssef Chermiti, breaking away on the counter, found himself in a good position but failed to test Ipswich goalkeeper Henry Gray.
The visitors continued to dominate possession and looked the more dangerous. In the 31st minute, they came close to breaking the deadlock when Ashley Boatswain’s header from a corner glanced toward goal. However, Toffees keeper George Pickford produced a superb save to deny him, tipping the ball away in impressive fashion.
As the half wore on, the game became increasingly scrappy. When the halftime whistle blew, Everton could count themselves fortunate to be level, having been second best for much of the first 45.
The second half saw a more open game, which seemed to suit the Blues. They came close to taking the lead in the 55th minute when Jacob Beaumont-Clark found himself with a clear chance from 10 yards out, but his shot went wide. Moments later, Roman Dixon’s cutback fell to substitute Callum Bates, who couldn’t find a way past Gray.
Everton’s pressure began to build as they created a flurry of chances. Jack Tierney almost turned in a loose ball from a free kick in the box. Then, captain Luke Butterfield slipped Charlie Whittaker in behind the Ipswich defence, who dragged the ball off the far post.
With time running out, it looked like Everton might rue their missed opportunities, and Ipswich nearly punished them late on. A shot from Jesse Nwabueze was spilled by Pickford, but Boatswain failed to capitalize, sending his follow-up effort into the keepers arms.
Everton thought they had won it in the dying minutes when Oli Davies was sent through on goal, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside, and the goal was ruled out.
The match ended 0-0, with both teams sharing the spoils after a competitive but frustrating contest. Despite failing to find the net, this draw sees Everton top their group ahead of the other round’s fixtures. However, with no wins in their last four matches, manager Paul Tait will have plenty to reflect on as his side looks to find some form.
