Everton kick off their EFL Trophy campaign against Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium tonight.
The Blues managed to advance to the last 32 of the competition last season before being beaten 4-2 by Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium.
So far this season, the young Blues have lost three and drawn one of their opening four league games of the season. However, Paul Tait’s side will be boosted tonight by the return of Eli Campbell.
Kicking off at 7pm, Chris Beesley will all be at the Eco-Power Stadium to provide live updates on the action as well as bring you team news, analysis and post-match reaction.
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Chris Beesley's report
My match report from the Eco-Power Stadium as Everton U21s lose 2-0 to Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Trophyhttps://t.co/JMN0J6eDoW
— Christopher Beesley (@CBeesleyEcho) September 19, 2023
Full-time
It's finished 2-0 to Doncaster Rovers against Everton Under-21s. No complaints for the young Blues who for all their neat build-up play, failed to threaten in the final third.
Crellin at full stretch
More impressive goalkeeping from Everton's Billy Crellin as he palms away a dangerous ball into the box from Doncaster substitute Tom Nixon.
Triple switch
Three more changes for Everton as Matty Apter, Callum Bates and Jack Butler enter the fray with 20 minutes to go for Elijah Campbell, Luke Butterfield and Halid Djankpata.
Okoronkwo denied
Okoronkwo tries to fire a delivery across the face of goal but Doncaster clear their lines.
It's the striker's last contribution as he makes way for Martin Sherif with Jack Patterson also coming on for Isaac Heath.
Hopeful shouts
Doncaster's Mo Faal goes down under a challenge from Everton captain Mackenzie Hunt in the area and there are a few penalty shouts from the home fans but referee Ross Joyce isn't interested.
Half-time
Goalless at the break. Remember it goes to penalties if we're still level after 90 minutes.
Crellin to the rescue
Smart save by Crellin with his feet to deny Louie Marsh with what looked like a big chance in the dying seconds before the interval.
Two minutes added time
A couple of minutes of additional time to be played in this first half.
Kouyate denied
Katia Kouyate cuts inside from the right wing to curl in a left foot shot but Bobby Faulkner manages to head it clear over the bar.
Wasted opportunity
Glances are exchanged between Francis Okoronkwo and Isaac Heath as the big striker runs into space but the attacking midfielder's pass can't find him. Looked a promising opening for Everton as we approach the interval.
Djankpata chance
Halid Djankpata gets a header in from Roman DIxon's right wing cross but it goes over the bar.
Brothers in arms
The Chuckle Brothers weren't the only moustachioed South Yorkshire siblings to be big back in the 1980s and we're graced by having both Ian and Glynn Snodin here tonight. The pair both started at Doncaster Rovers with Ian having a spell at Leeds United before winning a League Championship medal at Everton in 1986/87.
Another booking
Another Everton played receives a yellow card for a late challenge, this time it's centre-back Elijah Campbell.
Hit the bar
First Faal's header hits the post, now Doncaster's Deji Sotona hits the bar with a shot from Tommy Rowe's right wing cross.
Off target
Ironic cheers from some home fans - upset that the free-kick was awarded - as Everton midfielder Luke Butterfield's 25-yard effort flies over the bar.
Hit the post
Another warning for Everton as big Mo Faal, who was a handful for their senior side in the recent Carabao Cup tie, rattles Crellin's left-hand post with a header.
Crellin clears
An early test for Everton goalkeeper Billy Crellin but he punches clear from Ben Close's free-kick whipped in from the left wing.
Early booking
You might think that the old pros from League Two would be out to teach Everton's youngsters a painful lesson but it's Blues teenager Katia Kouyate who is first to receive a yellow card for a late challenge.
Making an impression
Less than five minutes into the contest and one Doncaster wit quips of the visitors: "They're better than the first team!"
Result on the night
We're almost at kick-off time in Doncaster and a reminder that if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the game will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.
Blues warm-up
Everton U21 players warm up ahead of their EFL Trophy game at Doncaster Rovers pic.twitter.com/OqSoDlCwlA
— Christopher Beesley (@CBeesleyEcho) September 19, 2023
Teamsheet
Tonight’s teamsheet pic.twitter.com/Cac9Lk7LVf
— Christopher Beesley (@CBeesleyEcho) September 19, 2023
