Wigan Athletic U18s made history as they secured a 2-1 win over Everton U18s in the first-ever fixture played at the brand-new Everton Stadium
- U18s Match Report | Everton 1 Latics 2
- Harrison Rimmer & Cole Simms’ four-minute first-half blitz proved too much for the Toffees despite a late Ray Roberts penalty in the first test event at Bramley Moore Dock
- Marc Maddocks’ men will return to business as usual when they visit Hull City in the Professional Development League on Saturday.
Everton U18s 1
Ray Roberts 88’ (P)
Latics U18s 2
Harrison Rimmer 13’
Cole Simms 17’
Harrison Rimmer and Cole Simms’ first-half goals meant the young Tics secured a 2-1 win against Everton in the first test event at the new Everton Stadium on Monday evening.
A confident Latics display saw the visitors race into a two-goal lead early in the first period and carry out a professional performance in the second, though Ray Roberts’ late spot-kick saw a nervy final few minutes play out, with Marc Maddocks' men able to hold on.
On a special occasion, the young Tics had the chance to experience the freshly ground Everton Stadium in front of 10,000 supporters, and it was a start full of courage by Latics.
Reece Greenhalgh remained as busy as ever deep in the Everton half, picking up possession in a dangerous area before sliding through Simms, who, when presented with a glorious chance, could only turn his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
It didn’t take much longer for Latics to continue probing in the attacking third when Rimmer latched onto the ball before firing a sweetly struck effort into the far corner inside a quarter of an hour, marking a special moment for the midfielder.
The away side was full of confidence in the opening 20 minutes and looked keen for a second goal, which came just minutes after their first.
Harrison Bettoni was freed down the left flank, and with time to lift his head, the forward picked out a superb cross into the path of the onrushing Simms, who was there to make no mistake with the chance, slamming home to double the Tics' advantage.
Everton posed a threat going forward, despite the deficit. Braiden Graham was the first to worry Matteo Spinelli when his low strike bounced off the base of the post and fortunately across the goal line and wide.
That strike proved to be the last major piece of action in the period, which saw Latics in control thanks to Rimmer and Simms’ efforts.
The interval provided an opportunity for Maddocks to freshen things up and give priceless experiences to more of his squad. Elijah Igiehon, Oscar Harris and Sam Bolland came into the fray, whilst Jake Spaven took his spot in between the sticks for the final 45.
A bright start to the second half allowed the Toffees to threaten first. Graham latched onto the end of Freddie Freedman’s cross from the right, though after his initial attempt was blocked by Spaven, the follow-up was superbly turned behind the post by a heroic Alex Hughes intervention.
An exchange of chances opened the first ten minutes of the period, this time, at the other end, as the young Tics crafted a dangerous opportunity that Igiehon latched onto, though his close-range attempt was similarly thwarted on the line.
Spaven continued his stellar introduction to affairs after Kean Wren was slipped clean through in the box, where he somehow turned the forward’s effort onto the post with a super stop.
It was far from over, despite Latics’ comfort in the second half. Roberts proved a tricky customer off the bench and won a penalty after he was brought down inside the area. He picked himself up, along with the ball, and dispatched the spot-kick with just a few minutes to go.
Fortunately for Latics, time ran out for the hosts, with a clinical first-half performance proving the difference in a historic first outing at the Everton Stadium.
