Everton U21s snatch a draw at The Saints

Southampton U21s 2 - 2 Everton U21s

Despite taking an early lead at Southampton's Staplewood Training Ground at lunchtime on Friday, Everton U21s were trailing for most of the second half before Reece Welch got a tying goal in added time. 

Everton had taken the lead after just 10 minutes when 17-year-old Demi Akarakiri fired from close range to score his second goal in his last two games.

But the home side got an equaliser, then a go-ahead goal that looked like it had sealed a win until Reece Welch popped up after 92 minutes to head home a Francis Gomez corner and earn a point for the travelling young blues

Everton U21s:  Lukjanciks, Samuels-Smith (85' Davis), Van Schoor, Welch, Thomas,  Bates, (52' Olayiwola), Boakye (75' Loney), Gomez, Ebere (75' Pita), Akarakiri, Graham.

Mike Gaynes 3 Posted 27/02/2026 at 16:02:33

What negative incentive?

John Collins 4 Posted 27/02/2026 at 16:19:49

"Improve" -- Moyes's answer when asked about what the majority of the young players need to do to get a start.

I'd imagine Braiden has been told the same.

Alan J Thompson 6 Posted 28/02/2026 at 05:48:42

A header from a 92nd minute corner.

Anyone know how many players we had on the goal line marking their keeper?