EVERTON Under-18s’ hopes of victory were blown away as they had to settle for a point against Stoke City in the FA Premier Academy League at Finch Farm. Karl Sheppard gave the Blues the lead in the first half but the windy conditions made life difficult and Stoke were able to get back on level terms. Coach Neil Dewsnip said: “The match was played in a gale force wind which blew right down the pitch. It was a lottery and it wasn’t conducive to good football. “We played with the wind in the first half and scored a great goal. We huffed and puffed after that and had plenty of chances. “We couldn’t get a goal and then naively we gave one away through a lack of communication. It was a real silly goal. “But I can’t be too critical of the players. As always, they showed a fantastic attitude and stuck to their guns. “Overall I think we did a bit better than Stoke, and we were disappointed with a draw.” Dewsnip’s side pressed forward in the first half but found the Potters’ keeper in fine form. They eventually made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark when Adam Forshaw’s cross was powerfully headed home by Sheppard. Lewis Codling, Nathan Craig and Sheppard all had chances to extend the Blues’ advantage but they couldn’t make them count and Stoke equalised just before half-time. “We were concerned about playing against the wind in the second half, but apart from one chance which Lars Stubhaug saved well from a corner, we were in control,” Dewsnip added. Everton are back in FA Premier Academy League action at Newcastle United this Saturday (kick-off 11am). EVERTON UNDER-18s: Stubhaug; Nsiala, Sinnott, Duffy, Bidwell; Craig, Kinsella, Barkley, Forshaw; Codling, Sheppard (McAleny 80). Subs: Davies, Nolan, Krenn. National honours for Everton's teen stars >>> | 
