ARISTOTE NSIALA’S late equaliser earned Everton under-18s a point in a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Neil Dewsnip’s side played their part in a entertaining contest as goals from Adam Forshaw and Nsiala secured a point.
After last week’s 5-2 victory Everton began in buoyant mood and took the lead on 14 minutes with a fine strike from Forshaw.
Everton had the better of the first half with centre-back James McCarten going close with a header from a Nathan Craig free-kick. Striker Lewis Codling almost went close.
In the second half, though, Wednesday hit back and drew level through a headed effort on 53 minutes when they capitalised on some hesitancy in the Everton defence. Both sides traded blows in an end-to-end contest and Wednesday went ahead with 20 minutes left.
But with time running Nsiala made up for his error in the build-up to Wednesday’s second goal when scoring the equaliser stabbing home following a corner. Late on substitute Femi Orenuga had two good chances to win it, but couldn’t take them.
Dewsnip said: “It was a real game of two halves. We were delighted with the performance in the first half. We were in complete control, passed the ball well and the only downside would be we didn’t turn our domination into more goals.
“As football often is, the half-time break took away the momentum and rhythm of our work. It was very difficult as they bombarded us aerially. We found it difficult to cope with it if I’m honest.”
He added: “We were disappointed not to have won the game given the first half performance and yet satisfying not to have lost. It was a little bit frustrating.”
Everton travel to take on Nottingham Forest this Saturday (kick-off 11am).
