Everton Under-21s were eliminated from the EFL Trophy after a 2-1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town, sealed by a 92nd-minute winner from Jeval Thompson-McKenzie. The loss at Shrewsbury's stadium means Paul Tait's young side have now lost both of their group games in the competition this season.
Shrewsbury took the lead in the 51st minute through Isaac Fletcher. Everton's Under-21s fought back and found an equaliser in the 83rd minute when Omari Benjamin scored. They could not hold on, however, as Thompson-McKenzie struck from a late set-piece to secure the points for the League One side.
Academy Head Dave Hughes expressed his disappointment at the manner of the defeat. He said the players were competitive and created enough chances to win the game, but were ultimately punished for conceding from a set-play. Hughes praised the performances of Benjamin for his goal and Will Tamen for his maturity, while also highlighting the contributions of Fraser Barnsley in goal and Melvin Matos in midfield.
Hughes emphasized that the development squad must learn to see games out, stating they need to get to the 93rd minute without losing their focus. He noted the team's performance was an improvement on their first group game against Stockport County, but said they must see progress from their pre-season level. With the senior Everton squad dealing with injury issues, Hughes underlined the importance of preparing these young players for potential first-team involvement.
The defeat comes as the senior side prepares for a Premier League trip to Newcastle United this weekend. Everton currently sit 11th in the table with 10 points from eight matches, having recorded two wins, four draws, and two losses this season. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five league outings, a sequence you can review on our standings page. The first team's next challenge is against 8th-placed Newcastle on November 2nd.
The senior side's last result was a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal on Saturday 24 October, which followed a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea the previous weekend. They have scored eight goals and conceded nine in the league so far, leaving them 11 points behind the leaders, Manchester City. Their top scorer this season is T. Barry with three goals.
For the Under-21s, their Trophy campaign now hinges on a final Group H fixture away at Tranmere Rovers on November 24th. To have any chance of advancing, Everton must win that match and hope Stockport County also defeat Shrewsbury Town in the other concluding group game.
This story first appeared at evertonfc.com
