Match by Match Reports

19^th December 1998

3^rd Round – Away at Manchester United

Drew 2-2

Scorers – Franny Jeffers, Tony Hibbert

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

BLUES YOUNGSTERS PEGGED BACK

19TH DECEMBER 1998

Everton’s youth side began the defence of their trophy with a creditable 2-2 draw against United at Gigg Lane.

United took the lead on 19 minutes when a long ball found the dangerous Luke Chadwick who cut inside John Wright and fired home from the edge of the box.

Everton were soon level, when six minutes later a ball into the United area fell to Francis Jeffers who turned well to fire under the body of Rachubka.

The young Blues continued to dominate the first period with Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman working hard in midfield, indeed to was these two players who combined to get Everton second just after the half hour.

Osman’s mazey run ended with a lay off to Hibbert who who blasted right-footed passed the United keeper.

The Blues deserved their half time lead but were soon on the back foot in the early stages of the second period and on 64 minutes Luke Chadwick ghosted passed to Blues defenders to finish well.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUNG BLUES ON CUP TRAIL

21ST DECEMBER 1998

Everton began their defence of the FA Youth Cup with a 2-2 draw at Manchester United.

The home side went in front after 19 minutes when the impressive Luke Chadwick cut inside John Wright to fire home.

The Blues levelled when Francis Jeffers turned well in the box to shoot right-footed past the keeper.

And they took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Leon Osman found Tony Hibbert, who cracked in a terrific shot from 25 yards out.

Luke Chadwick got his second on 64 minutes to earn a replay at Goodison Park on January 6.

 

6^th January 1999

3^rd Round Replay – Home to Manchester United

Won 4-0

Scorers – Joe McAlpine, Franny Jeffers (2), Leon Osman

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

JEFFERS TO LEAD YOUNG BLUES’ CUP ASSAULT

6TH JANUARY 1999

Francis Jeffers will try to shoot Everton into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup tonight – and show first team boss Walter Smith he could a long term answer to the senior side’s goals shortage.

Jeffers, and already rated as one of the best finishers at the club, will spearhead the Blues’ forward line in their third round replay against Manchester United at Goodison Park (7pm).

With Ibrahima Bakayoko due to disappear in international duty soon, Smith will be looking keenly at the progress of Jeffers.

The England youth international snatched the first goal in a 2-2 draw at Gigg Lane before Christmas, and has also added seven goals in FA Youth Academy matches this season.

And he is unlikely to be concerned at the prospect of a big Cup tie against Manchester United – he scored the first goal of last season’s Youth Cup final second leg against Blackburn, and made his first team debut last season as a second half substitute at Old Trafford!

“Francis is one of four players who still qualify from last season’s team.” said coach Colin Harvey.

SPECTACULAR

Jeffers is joined by goalkeeper Dean Delaney, and midfielders Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert as survivors from last season’s triumphant squad.

Hibbert scored a spectacular second goal in the tie at United, while Osman was a Cup Final goalscorer last season before suffering a serious injury.

“Leon’s best game since coming back was probably the first match at United.” added Harvey.

While Osman, an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, will be one of Everton’s dangermen, United’s threat will come from left winger Luke Chadwick. A constant threat at Gigg Lane, cutting in from the left onto his right foot, he will pose the main danger to Everton.

“While we’d obviously like to progress as far as possible in the competition.” said Harvey “the be all and end all is how many players we can help to go and play for the first team.

“From last season’s squad Danny Cadamarteri and Richard Dunne have been pretty much regulars this season, Francis Jeffers and Jamie Milligan have had a little taste and Phil Jevons and Adam Farley have been in senior squads.

“That’s a true measure of success and we have to be reasonably satisfied with that.

“We’ll know how good this current crop of players is if we can supply another half-a-dozen players for the first team.”

The Main Stand and the Upper Bullens Road Stand will be open for tonight’s match. Admission is £4 adults, £1 juniors and OAPs. Season ticket holders should note that they will not be able to gain free admission tonight.

Everton (probable): Delaney, Wright, Clark, Knowles, Pilkington, Southern, Osman, Hibbert, McLeod, Jeffers, Howarth.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUTH CUP ROMP SEES EVERTON GIVE UNITED A LESSON

FERGIE HORROR SHOW AS BLUES MARCH ON

7TH JANUARY 1999

BY DAVID PRENTICE

Everton made a stunning start to their defence of the FA Youth Cup last night – demolishing tournament favourites Manchester United 4-0 at Goodison Park.

The Blues produced a clinical display of top class finishing - in front of uneasy Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson – to dominate the third round replay and earn a home tie against Swindon.

A first half volley from Joe McAlpine, then a second half flurry from Francis Jeffers (two) and Leon Osman utterly demoralised the highly rated visitors.

“It was a tremendous team performance.” said coach Colin Harvey. “The scoreline surprise me because I thought it would be a lot closer, but we showed a lot of passion and commitment and deserved the win.”

After pulling back a 2-1 deficit at Gigg Lane before Christmas, United started the brighter unit at Goodison.

Left flank dangerman Luke Chadwick clipped in a cross which Evans headed wide, before Everton took a tight grip on the match.

Tony Hibbert, a tenacious tackler at the heart of the midfield, showed his quality on the ball with an inviting right wing cross which Joe McAlpine spectacularly volleyed in at the far post.

The strike gave the young Blues a decisive edge.

Colin Harvey’s side has a very young defence this year, but John Wright and 15-year-old Sean O’Hanlon performed impressively either side of the central defensive duo of Peter Clark and David Knowles.

O’Hanlon was in action just hours after ending his school day at Holy Family in Thornton.

The only scare they had was when Luke Chadwick was sent sprawling by a combined challenge in the 36^th minute, but referee Atkinson waved away penalty appeals.

Everton should have sealed the tie on the stroke of half-time, but after breaking away at a United free-kick they wasted a glorious three on one opportunity. It mattered little.

Just two minutes after half-time Francis Jeffers took ruthless advantage of a sliced clearance by United goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.

The ball ballooned up into the air and Jeffers slashed a confident volley past the bemused ‘keeper.

Four minutes later McAlpine’s corner was only half-cleared and Leon Osman – a Cup Final goalscorer last season before sustaining a serious knee injury – produced another impeccable finish. In the 70th minute Jeffers completed the rout, in front of impressed first team boss Walter Smith.

The England youth international killed McLeod’s lofted pass with one sweet touch, then sidestepped the outrushing Rachubka with another before rolling the ball calmly into the empty net.

Goalkeeper Dean Delaney had barely a shot to save as the Blues romped into round four and a home tie against Swindon Town, to be played before the end of the month.

MATCH FACTS

EVERTON: Delaney, Wright, O’Hanlon (McKay 64), Knowles (McLeod 59), Clark, Hibbert, Southern, Osman, Howarth (Dempsey 84), Jeffers, McAlpine. Unused substitutes: O’Brien, Logan.

MANCHESTER UNITED: Rachubka, Lynch (Studley 65), Hilton, Roche, O’Shea, Clegg, Evans (Davis 65), Stewart, Wheatcroft, Fitzpatrick (Webber 45), Chadwick. Unused substitutes: Cosgrove, Marsh.

 

26^th January 1999

4^th Round – Home to Swindon Town

Drew 1-1

Scorer – Carl Howarth

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUNG GUN JEFFERS FIGHTING FIT

26TH JANUARY 1999

BY DAVID PRENTICE

Teenage top gun Francis Jeffers has been ruled fit to spearhead Everton’s FA Youth Cup charge at Goodison Park tonight.

The striker who shot down Manchester United with three goals in two third round matches, will take his place against Swindon Town tonight (7pm).

Jeffers endured an injury scare last week, when a training accident left him with a suspected broken toe.

The injury was later diagnosed as heavy bruising, however, and he has been declared fit to start.

Jeffers has hammered in eight goals in FA Youth Academy matches this season, and made a fleeting appearance as a substitute in the first team’s televised match against Newcastle earlier this season.

He is one of four players surviving from last season’s FA Youth Cup winners.

Goalkeeper Dean Delaney, midfielder Leon Osman and striker Carl Howarth are also still eligible.

Swindon, who beat last season’s semi-finalists Leeds United in a third round replay, have a Mersey connection in youth development officer Phil Cannon.

The tentative carrot dangled in front of tonight’s winners is a tie in the last 32 against Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City or Gillingham.

Ironically the tournament organisers have already made the draw for the entire competition this season – which offered the tantalising prospect of an all-Merseyside Cup Final if both sides had proved successful.

Liverpool lost their fourth round tie to Wimbledon last week, Everton aim to ensure they don’t suffer a repeat tonight.

Only the Main Stand will be open tonight, priced £4 adults, £1 OAPs and juniors.

Unlike Pontin’s League matches, season ticket holders do not gain free entry. This is a competition rule.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

EVERTON MUST REPLAY AFTER VISITORS SWINDON STEAL SURPRISE EQUALISER IN YOUTH CUP SHOWDOWN

BLUES DENIED IN LATE CUP DRAMA
REF CAN’T SAVE HOSTS

27TH JANUARY 1999

BY ANDY HUNTER

Where was Mike Riley when you needed him?

Last night’s FA Youth Cup fourth round clash was tailor-made for Saturday’s controversial match official to make a dramatic and ‘welcome’ reappearance at Goodison Park.

For the second time in four days, an Everton side were leading 1-0 and a place in the fifth round of an FA competition beckoned when their opponents forced home a late, late equaliser at the Park End.

It was natural for Evertonians to look to the referee in such circumstances but it needed the most blinkered or bravest of officials to deny Swindon Town a 1-1 draw, and with a man called B.Coward in charge, that was never an option.

Despite the legitimacy of Swindon’s 85^th minute equaliser the young Blues will no doubt feel a return trip to Wiltshire next Tuesday night is unwarranted.

They dominated for long spells against strong, well-organised opponents without creating any clear cut chances until Carl Howarth’s clinical 81^st minute strike.

In front of a 1582 crowd, the lively Blues’ striker controlled substitute Joe McAlpine’s wayward shot near the penalty spot, turned and struck a sweet left foot shot that creeped just inside Swindon keeper’s Alan Flanagan’s left hand post.

That appeared to be enough to see off Swindon – watched by former manager Steve McMahon and containing a strong Liverpool connection in impressive sweeper James Williams and substitute striker Karl Robinson – yet they were level within four minutes with their first shot on target.

A half-cleared corner fell to Jason Donlon in the edge of the Blues’ area and he struck a fierce half volley beyond Dean Delaney only to see Everton full back John Wright, block his effort on the goal-line. The ball fell kindly, however, to striker Danny Jeffery, and replay was assured.

Jeffery succeeded where Francis Jeffers failed in getting on the scoresheet, but once again the highly-rated Everton forward produced enough to confirm his growing talent.

For the first 45 minutes Jeffers, who turned 18 on Monday, played creator. He linked up well with his team-mates outside the area and delivered a number of dangerous crosses from which Kevin McLeod and Howarth both saw goalbound efforts deflected wide.

After the interval he was much more direct and the Blues looked increasingly dangerous as a result. His skill and accurate shooting found Flanagan flinging himself across his line five times in 20 minutes to keep him at bay and he will have caught the eye of the watching Walter Smith.

The Goodison pitch was only passed playable 15 minutes before kick off following the day’s downpour, and Everton officials will be hoping the surface is in its usual excellent condition when the first team takes on Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In the early stages, the Blues’ central midfield duo of Leon Osman and Matt McKay looked set to control proceedings but as their influence waned, so the visitors began to look like the serious threat that has shocked Leeds United in the previous round.

With Donlon raiding down the left they created and wasted excellent chances just before half-time, but Everton reasserted their superior passing game after the restart without finding the ruthless streak that saw four put past Manchester United three weeks ago.

Everton’s Youth Coach Colin Harvey said afterwards: “We had a lot of possession and enough half chances to win the game. But full credit to Swindon, they worked hard.

“We can play a lot better than that although we had a few players missing tonight and hopefully they will be back for the replay.

“Our midfield didn’t function as well as I’d have liked, but I was pleased with both strikers, Franny and Carl both played very well.”

 

2^nd February 1999

4^th Round Replay – Away at Swindon Town

Won 5-1

Scorers – Franny Jeffers (3), Carl Howarth, Joe McAlpine

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

2ND FEBRUARY 1999

The club’s youngsters are in FA Youth Cup action tonight in a fourth round replay at Swindon Town, with Smith ready to run the rule over young striker Francis Jeffers as he attempts to solve Everton’s desperate goals shortage.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

JEFFERS’ MAGIC TREBLE

3RD FEBRUARY 1999

A hat-trick by Francis Jeffers helped Everton into the FA Youth Cup fifth round with an emphatic 5-1 victory against Swindon in their replay at the County Ground last night.

Jeffers put Everton ahead from the penalty spot after just eight minutes following a foul on Carl Howarth, and the England international almost struck again three minutes later, only for the keeper to tip his shot onto the post.

But there was no denying Jeffers, who made it 2-0 on 24 minutes with a brilliant individual run. His first shot was blocked but he made no mistake from the rebound.

Jeffers was a constant menace as the young Blues took control. He saw shot a shot go inches wide and a header flash past an upright.

Keith Southern also had a point blank header saved in a first half, which saw the Blues’ Osman being stretchered off with ligament damage.

Jeffers again caused plenty of trouble early in the second half, crashing one shot against the bar, before completing his hat-trick just on the hour. This time good work by John Right found the striker, who held off three defenders, cut inside and fired home a left foot drive.

After Ricky Culbertson had lifted Swindon’s spirits with a goal, Jeffers then turned provider, giving Howarth the chance to make it 4-1. But it was Joe McAlpine who scored the goal of the night with 20 minutes left, curling home a spectacular shot to complete a great performance and give the Blues a trip to Sheffield Wednesday in the next round.

Tony Hibbert and Jeffers were replaced in the last 10 minutes, with Jeffers’ super show putting him in Walter Smith’s thoughts for a first team place against Derby and Pride Park on Sunday.

Youth team coach Colin Harvey hailed the victory a “top class team effort” and was thrilled with the quality of the goals.

EVERTON: Delaney, Wright, Pilkington, O’Brien, Clarke, Hibbert, (McLoud 81), Southern, Osman, (McKay 37), Howarth, Jeffers, (Chadwick 83), McAlpine. Subs unused: Logan, O’Hanlon. Attendance: 4,100.

16^th February 1999

5^th Round – Away at Sheffield Wednesday

Drew 1-1

Scorer – Nick Chadwick

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

HOT-SHOT JEFFERS PAYS PRICE FOR CALL-UP

16TH FEBRUARY 1999

BY DAVID PRENTICE

Everton’s FA Youth Cup winners of 1998 lifted the trophy without calling on the services of their most accomplished talent.

They must do the same if they are to repeat the feat in 1999.

Michael Ball was the youngster who qualified for Youth Cup duty, but was considered a first-team regular last season.

Now Francis Jeffers has been plucked from Colin Harvey’s ranks to bolster the senior squad.

He will be missing from tonight’s fifth round tie at Sheffield Wednesday, to prepare for a Premiership challenge tomorrow against Middlesbrough.

“Franny’s goalscoring alone in this competition means we are going to miss him,” said Harvey “And then there is his allround play.”
“But at the end of the day this is what the job is all about. I have said before that winning the competition is no good if nobody from the side ends up in the first team.

“Thankfully you only have to look at the senior squad to see players are progressing through the ranks and everyone here is pleased for Franny.”

Harvey’s resources, like those of first team counterpart Walter Smith, will be stretched at Hillsborough tonight.

Leon Osman, like Jeffers a marksman in last season’s Cup Final, also misses out tonight with a knee injury sustained in the replay demolition of Swindon.

Irish striker Gary Dempsey is likely to deputise for Jeffers up front, while Eddie O’Brien is also struggling with a hamstring strain.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

NICK REVIVES BLUE CUP HOPES

17TH FEBRUARY 1999

YOUTH CUP ROUND-UP

A late equaliser from 16 year old school boy Nick Chadwick earned Everton’s Youth side a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday last night.

The Blues looked to be heading out of the Youth Cup after the home side had taken a 75^th minute lead, but Chadwick popped up to secure a replay.

On a dreadful night in South Yorkshire Everton had seen the better of the early chances. They went close in the first half hour when Hibbert’s drive was held by Bennett and then, after a terrific move, Keith Southern’s shot went just wide.

The second half began less convincingly for the visitors though with Wednesday having the greater share of possession.

Higgins’ cross caused problems for Dean Delaney on 73 minutes and then two minutes later the home side took the lead.

A long clearance by the Wednesday defence was helped on by Keith Southern’s head and the ball fell the Chris Stringer. Despite looking suspiciously off-side the striker was continue and lob Delany and put his side one up.

Coach Colin Harvey then decided to make a change and replaced Matt McKay with youngster Chadwick and in the 89^th minute he was on hand to level the score.

Kevin McLeod broke down the left, crossed, and Garry Dempsey’s shot bounced up to find Chadwick two yards out who headed past the helpless Bennett.

The draw was only what Everton’s endeavour deserved and the two sides will not replay at Goodison on Monday March 1.

Everton Youth: Delaney, Wright, Pilkington, O’Hanlon, Clarke, Hibbert, McKay. (Chadwick 79), Southern, Howarth, Dempsey, McAlpine, (McLeod 64). Subs unused: Curren, Valentine, Kearney.

Referee: Mr. R.J Bouthe.

 

1^st March 1999

5^th Round Replay – Home to Sheffield Wednesday

Won 3-1

Scorers – Keith Southern, Kevin McLeod, Leon Osman

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

BLUES’ YOUTH CUP TIE GETS GO-AHEAD

1ST MARCH 1999

Everton were given the green light today to stage this evening’s FA Youth Cup fifth round replay.

The Goodison Park pitch passed a lunchtime inspection, after heavy overnight rain put the match against Sheffield Wednesday in doubt.

The tie will kick-off at 7pm, with Everton welcoming back one of their conquering class of ‘98.

Attacking midfielder Leon Osman has been plagued by injury since scoring in the first leg of last season’s final. But he is fit for tonight’s replay – with a quarter-final place the prize.

The sides drew 1-1 at Hillsborough two weeks ago.

Everton Youth (from): Delaney, Wright, Pilkington, Clarke, Knowles, Hibbert, McKay, Southern, Osman, McLeod, McAlpine, Dempsey, Howarth, Chadwick, O’Hanlon, Logan, O’Brien.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

GOODISON DESTROYERS EARN QUARTER-FINAL SPOT AFTER ANOTHER SUPER REPLAY ROMP

YOUNG BLUES ON MCLEOD NINE

2ND MARCH 1999

BY DAVID PRENTICE
Everton have been rewarded with a home quarter-final in the FA Youth Cup – after last night’s commanding 3-1 replay defeat of Sheffield Wednesday.

The Blues will face Aston Villa or Watford later this month, after winning their third successive Cup replay.

Keith Southern, Kevin McLeod and Leon Osman were the marksmen for the Blues, who showed that even without their goalscoring talisman, Francis Jeffers, they possessed too much fire power for Wednesday.

Everton left it until the last minute before grabbing a draw at Hillsborough.

Last night, they exerted control on the tie after just 17 minutes.

McLeod whipped in a superb cross which Southern darted in to nod in off a post.

When McLeod crashed in a magnificent looping volley five minutes before the interval, Everton were in complete charge.

Central defender Peter Clarke, only back from England duty in Cyprus the day before, pumped a free-kick into the Wednesday penalty area. Rand headed clear but only to McLeod, who connected with a wonderful volley.

It was an outstanding night’s work for McLeod.

He fired in another cross which Howarth just failed to slide in at the far post, and saw another effort cleared off the line.

Despite losing influential captain Tony Hibbert at half time with eight stitches in an ankle wound, Everton continued to dominate after the break. They finally got the third goal their dominance deserved 10 minutes from time. Substitute Matt McKay drilled in a low cross which Leon Osman touched home from close range.

Wednesday grabbed an even later consolation when David Knowles turned a cross past his own goalkeeper in the last minute, but the Blues still had time to go close twice themselves.

“It was a really good team performance,” said coach Colin Harvey. “We were disciplined, hardworking and deserved the result.”

EVERTON: Delaney, Wright, Knowles, Clarke, Pilkington, Southern, Osman, Hibbert (McKay 45), McLeod, Howarth, Dempsey. Unused subs: Chadwick, McAlpine, O’Hanlon, O’Brien.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Bennet, Haslam, Rand, Staniforth, Nicholson, Hamsh (Hindley 80), Coubrough (Crane 45), Houlahan. Unused sub: Stringer.

 

23^rd March 1999

6^th Round – Home to Aston Villa

Won 1-0

Scorer – Francis Jeffers

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

FOLLOWING IN FRANNY’S FOOTSTEPS

23RD MARCH 1999

BY ANDY HUNTER

Everton’s youngsters enter the FA Youth Cup quarter final tonight determined to follow the path of one of their most talented colleagues, Francis Jeffers.

Only a year ago the Blues’ 18-year-old striker was a leading light in the club’s first success in The Times-sponsored sponsored competition for 14 years.

Indeed he was still starring for the Youth team until the fourth round this year, when his hat-trick against Swindon Town persuaded Walter Smith to throw him into the first team fray at Derby County.

EXAMPLE

Now, with two first goals in six games, to his name, Jeffers is the example the current crop of young talent must follow if they are to emulate the achievements of 12 months ago, when a two-legged victory over Blackburn Rovers brought one of the rare bright notes to Goodison Park.

Tonight’s tie against a highly rated Aston Villa side (kick off 7pm) provides a difficult test for Colin Harvey’s proteges, but the Everton youth team coach provides Jeffers’ rapid rise up the ranks will provide an added incentive for his team.

He said: “Franny has set an example for the other lads to follow. They are happy one of their mates is doing so well, but it also motivates them that little bit more.

JEFFERS’ SUCCESS SHOWS KIDS WHAT IS POSSIBLE

“They know what it takes to make it to the first-team squad, and Franny’s success has shown them it is possible.”

With Jeffers now consigned to regular first team duty, the striking responsibility should fall on Carl Howarth and Gary Dempsey, with influential skipper Tony Hibbert among those looking to follow his former team-mate’s path.

Midfielder Hibbert said: “Franny was playing for the Youth team in the earlier rounds and it was what he did for us that got him in the first team. You see what he has achieved and it doesn’t seem so far away. It is a great incentive.”

Supporters wishing to pay at the turnstiles for the game must do so via the Upper Bullens Stand. Lounge members and Director Box ticket holders will be able to enter via the Goodison Road reception.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

JEFFERS STRIKE SPARKS BLUES

24TH MARCH 1999

BY ANDY HUNTER

The surprise ‘Old’ face in Everton’s youth team – if that’s possible – guided the Blues into the familiar territory of the FA Youth Cup semi-finals last night.

Francis Jeffers was back with his friends and back doing what he does best as his clinical strike after just 50 seconds booked the cup holders a place in the last four at the expense of Aston Villa.

The step down from the first team was as unexpected to the crows as it was welcome to Blues’ coach Colin Harvey, who needed little time to consider Walter Smith’s latest ‘loan deal.’ when Jeffers’ availability was offered yesterday.

With Smith anxious to give his young star a full 90-minutes run out after being consigned to the bench in recent games, Harvey was more than happy to lend a helping hand.

A greater scoreline, however, would have been harsh on Villa. It was the Blues’ defence, rather than their more illustrious attack, who performed the heroics on the night as the visitors displayed all the graft but not the craft to unhinge Everton’s back line.

And on the rare occasions they managed a sight on goal, Villa found Dean Delaney in the Everton goal an impenetrable barrier.

With Leon Osman a class act in the centre of midfield, the Blues produced a composed, assured display in the face of constant second half pressure, to book a place in the last four against either Arsenal or West Ham, who have yet to play their quarter-final.

Most of the 1500 Goodison crowd were still checking Jeffers’ name on the teamsheet when he latched on to Tony Hibbert’s header on the left of the Villa area and drilled a low, left foot shot beyond his fellow Lilleshall graduate, goalkeeper Matthew Ghent.

It was a quality finish from the 18-year-old, justifying the selection both in terms on the team’s overall progress and a striker’s desperate hunger for goals at every opportunity.

His strike partner, Carl Howarth, thought he had doubled the Blues’ lead just before the interval when he finished a tremendous move involving Kevin McLeod and Jeffers with a thunderous half volley that flashed inches past the post.

Delaney had seen little action in the opening half but proved alert five minutes before the break, producing a point blank save from Leon Hylton’s header that left back George Pilkington hooked to safety off the line.

The Blues’ excellent centre half pairing of David Knowles and Peter Clarke played an increasingly influential role as the game wore on, and Villa should have equalised on 52 minutes, when, after Delaney had palmed away Hylton’s 35-yard drive, striker Andy Marfell could only find the side-netting.

It proved to be the visitors’ best opportunity of the night, and Everton’s Keith Southern nearly ended the contest with 10 minutes remaining when McLeod’s cross found him unmarked in the box. With a goal beckoning, however, Ghent produced a quality save.

Harvey said: “It is a tremendous achievement to get this far. They have surprised me to a certain extent. If someone would have told be we’d still be in the cup in March when we drew Manchester United back in December, I would have been very surprised.

“But the team spirit they show is very impressive and the players never give up.”

EVERTON: Delaney, Wright, Knowles, Clarke, Pilkington (McAlpine 63 mins); Southern, Hibbert, Osman, McLeod; Jeffers, Howarth (Dempsey 72 mins). Unused subs: McKay, O’Hanlon, Chadwick.

REFEREE: Mr. C Foy

ATTENDANCE: 1,500.

 

20^th April 1999

Semi-Final 1^st Leg – Away At West Ham United

Lost 0-3

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

BLUES STILL ON COURSE FOR UNIQUE TREBLE

20TH APRIL 1999

BY DAVID PRENTICE

Everton embark on the latest leg of a unique treble tonight in East London.

Colin Harvey’s young guns have already beaten off Manchester United, Liverpool and Blackburn to claim the regional FA Premier Youth Academy’s under-19 championship.

On Saturday they eased past Charlton 4-0 to stand on the threshold of the National semi-finals.

And tonight they aim for the most prestigious prize of all, an FA Youth Cup Final place for the second successive season.

West Ham bar the Blues’ path, but after against the odds victories over Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa already this season, Harvey is hopeful.

“We watched West Ham draw 0-0 against Arsenal in the last round, and they looked a very strong side.” said last season’s winning coach.

“I wasn’t surprised to hear they had won the replay 4-0.

“But we have a great team spirit here.

“When we lost our opening Youth Academy match 6-1 at Peterborough, I’d have laughed if someone had told me we’d be in the Youth Cup semi-final this year.

“But the boys have done brilliantly since then and are there on merit.”

While last season’s Youth Cup winners boasted first team talent like Danny Cadamarteri, Richard Dunne and Francis Jeffers, the class of ‘99 has prospered through an indomitable spirit.

Senior service has robbed them of the services of Francis Jeffers tonight – seven goals in five Youth Cup appearances this season – but the Blues have been boosted by the return of goalkeeper Dean Delaney.

On World Youth Championship duty with the Republic of Ireland in Nigeria, he only arrived home last weekend following Ireland’s exit.

“We’ll give it our best shot.” added Harvey. “There’s a great sense of togetherness about the squad and I know they’ll give it everything.”

The second leg takes place next Tuesday at Goodison.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

HAMMER BLOW TO YOUTH CUP HOPES

BLUES THREE DOWN AFTER FIRST LEG

21ST APRIL 1999

Holders Everton will need to score four times in their semi-final second leg next Tuesday if they are to successfully defend the FA Youth Cup.

The young Blues were beaten 3-0 at the hands of a very strong and physical West Ham United side at Upton Park.

In the opening 10 minutes Leon Osman and Gary Dempsey had chances.

But the Hammer’s promising youngster Joe Cole had the home side’s best opportunity of the first quarter of an hour, denied by a great John Wright tackle.

It inspired a long period of West Ham pressure midway through the first half and they took the lead on the half hour mark.

Adam Newton’s cross from the left was met by Bertie Brayley who headed powerfully past Dean Delaney.

STRONGER

Minutes later and Richard Garcia missed a chance to make it two.

Everton finished the half a stronger team, as first Kevin McLeod and then Leon Osman went close to pulling a goal back.

Colin Harvey’s side continued in the same vein after the break with McLeod pouncing on a mistake by Iriekpen, only for defender Stevland Angus to make a goal saving tackle as the young striker prepared to pull the trigger.

United doubled their lead on the hour when John Wright conceded a free-kick and Michael Ferrante cracked home his fierce left foot drive.

But Everton didn’t lie down and went close again when Matt McKay saw his shot saved by the legs of Steven Bywater.

The Blues made a double substitution on 69 minutes when Logan and McAlpine entered the fray but it was West Ham who found the net once again leaving Everton with a mountain to climb in the second leg.

A cross from the left was scrambled home by Richard Garcia after the Blues struggled to clear.

West Ham were on top at this stage and should have increased their lead further when Michael Carrick’s shot hit the cross bar in injury time.

Harvey’s side showed some fine battling qualities though, and will surely make it difficult for the Hammers in the return leg at Goodison Park next Tuesday.

EVERTON: Delaney, Wright, Pilkington (Howarth 69), Knowles, Clarke, Hibbert, Southern, Osman (Logan 85), Dempsey (McAlpine 69), McKay, McLeod. Subs unused: O’Brien, Eaton.

 

27^th April 1999

Semi-Final 2^nd Leg – Home to West Ham United

Won 1-0

Scorer – Sean O’Hanlon

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

JEFFERS THE MISSING LINK

27TH APRIL 1999

BY DAVID PRENTICE

Everton aim to pull off a mission impossible at Goodison Park tonight without their seven-goal star striker.

The young Blues’ bid to hold onto the FA Youth Cup hey raised last season hinges on overturning a 3-0 deficit against West Ham. And top scorer Francis Jeffers will be unavailable, after being called up for Kevin Keegan’s full England squad.

“Francis came up to me in the dressing room and said he was desperate to play for us.” said coach Colin Harvey.

“It just sums Franny up really because he has never forgotten where he has come from and he loves playing with his mates.

“I don’t know what the manager would had said because obviously he is doing well for the first team now, but events overtook it all, anyway.”

The young Blues have also been hit by the loss of centre-half Peter Clarke, who is away on international duty with England under-16s in the Czech Republic.

Holy Family schoolboy Sean O’Hanlon will deputise, while strikers Carl Howarth and Gary Dempsey will bear the goalscoring burden.

“We will go at them without being silly.” added Harvey.

“It is going to be difficult, but that doesn’t mean to say it is impossible. The first leg result was harsh. When it was 2-0 it could have been to either side.

“We have scored goals throughout the competition through the way we play and if we get on the scoresheet early, then who knows. We just have to believe in ourselves.”

Ironically, the young Blues meet West Ham in the semi-final again on Saturday.

After defeating Arsenal 2-1 at Bellfield last weekend, the under-19s meet the Hammers in the FA Premier Youth Academy National semi-finals.

Tonight’s semi-final second leg kicks off at 7.00pm.

Admission is £4 adults and £1 concessions. The Upper Bullens Road, Upper Gwladys Street and Main Stand will be open.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

BLUES BOYS BOW OUT

28TH MARCH 1999

Everton’s hopes of retaining the FA Youth Cup were sent tumbling last night despite beating West Ham 1-0 at Goodison Park.

The single goal, scored by Sean O’Hanlon seven minutes from time, was not enough to overturn a first leg 3-0 deficit against a slick Hammers side that included Joe Cole.

The game was a great advert for youth football in this country as both sides moved the ball well but Everton failed to break West Ham down soon enough to turn the tie.

MENACE

Joe McAlpine proved a thorn in West Ham’s side, setting up defender O’Hanlon’s close range half volley that found the net and a header for David Knowles.

Leon Osman put on a good show prompting Everton attacks and had it not been for the West Ham keeper Bywater he and Kevin McLeod would have scored.

At the other end Dean Delaney had to be at his best to keep out long range efforts from Ferrante but it was all in vain as the Everton youngsters bowed out leaving West Ham to face Coventry in the final.

Everton meet West Ham again on Saturday in the National Academy semi-finals.