Seniors and U21 players mix at Finch Farm
Senior Professional Development Coach Steve Eyre led a Town team featuring a mix of experience and youth to Everton’s Finch Farm training ground today for a behind closed doors friendly against the Premier League outfit.
The likes of Scott Arfield, Alan Lee and Adam Hammill played alongside colleagues from the Development Squad in Town’s second visit to Everton in just over a month, eventually losing 2-0 to the hosts.
Everton – with David Moyes in attendance – fielded the likes of Phil Neville, Steven Pienaar, Shane Duffy and Magaye Gueye in the contest and scored both goals in the second half with the wind at their backs, with defender Duffy heading home a corner in the 47th minute before Greek striker Apostolos Vellios netted two minutes from time.
Despite the result, Eyre – who was accompanied to the game by First Team Coach Ian Miller – told htafc.com that he was delighted with the run-out:
“This game suited both sides again due to the international break; although a large core of Everton’s squad goes away, they also retain a lot of players that need a game – as our squad players did.
“We did the same just over a month ago and I think it is credit to us that David Moyes didn’t hesitate to invite us back for a second fixture; it’s good to forge links with Premier League clubs like this.
“The ball retention during the game was fairly equal, as were the opportunities on goal, and although we’re disappointed with the goals we conceded I thought the players did very well once again. The fitness and organisational practise we get against an opponent of this quality are very useful.
“It was also great for me to have a look at some of our Development Squad players alongside seniors like Alan Lee. That experience is invaluable to them – not just for the 90 minutes on the pitch, but throughout the entire day they can see how the senior pros prepare for a game and warm down post-match. The Under-21s have to grab opportunities like this and hopefully that should benefit the Club moving forward.”
Town’s team (4-4-2):
Lloyd Allinson; Robbie McIntyre (Tom Smith 46), Tom Clarke, William Boyle (James Burke 70), Scott Kay (Connor Loftus 80); Sean Scannell (Jordan Sinnott 65), Scott Arfield, Anton Robinson, Adam Hammill; Alan Lee (Matt Crooks 65), Godwin Abadaki (Max Leonard 80)
Unused Subs: Nick Colgan
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