Everton get into their Youth Cup rhythm against Preston.
Preston North End 0-3 Everton
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fourth Round Proper
7pm, Thursday 5 February
Deepdale, Preston North End FC
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Everton sealed their place in the last eight of The FA Youth Cup on Thursday night, with what appeared to be a comprehensive victory over Preston North End at Deepdale.
Whilst the scoreline suggests that the young Toffees were comfortable in the their victory, they were anything but, as the home side created several chances, hit the bar and were denied by a mixture of bad luck and some solid Everton defending.
Neil Dewsnip’s side had that extra cutting edge though and once Shkodran Mustafi had put Everton in front after 30 minutes from close range, they always managed to maintain control.
However, after impressive victories against Academy sides Manchester City and Sunderland in the previous rounds, it was no surprise to Dewsnip that their hosts made such a battle out of the game.
"We knew we would face a tough game and that's exactly what happened,” Dewsnip told TheFA.com
"We've only played one match since Christmas, which was in the previous round, so we haven't really regained our rhythm yet.
"We could still do a bit better than what we have done this evening, particularly in possession of the ball.
"There was nothing in it until our first goal really, which obviously gave us a lift and made it a little bit difficult for Preston.”
After withstanding the North End pressure in the second half, they found a two goal cushion when Shane Duffy scored from the penalty spot, after schoolboy Callum Hope had been felled in the area.
The scoring was complete in the 76th minute when England U16 international Ross Barkley smashed a powerful shot home from just inside the area after a corner had only been half cleared.
"I think 3-0 flattered us a little really,” added Dewsnip.
“Preston had a really good go at us, so credit to them for that. We will need to improve still in the next round, as we play Blackburn and they will be very competitive.”
Watch highlights of the game now, by clicking the play icon in the top right of your screen.
