Everton FC Youth Football News: Conor McAleny’s extra-time header sends Everton through into fourth round of FA Youth Cup

Dec 9 2009 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

CONOR McALENY’S extra-time strike booked Everton Youth team’s place in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Billingham Synthonia last night.

Neil Dewsnip’s side had to wait until the 103rd minute to take the lead, but McAleny’s header proved decisive.

Everton produced some good football throughout and also hit the woodwork three times, but in the end one goal was enough.

Captain Jose Baxter was at the heart of much of Everton’s good work. The Bootle-born youngster, who has been with David Moyes’s first team for much of the season, forced Boro’s Patrick Otte to head over his own crossbar from the first of several dangerous set-pieces early on.

After 30 minutes Everton keeper Adam Davies had to push Cameron Park’s 25-yard effort behind, while at the other McAleny was denied by Boro keeper Ripley.

The home side almost broke the deadlock just before the break, but thankfully Park’s curling effort into the top corner came back off the angle of post and bar.

Straight after half-time Everton thought they had taken the lead when Nathan Craig’s free-kick evaded everyone and went in, but the assistant referee flagged for an infringement and the goal was disallowed.

Just after the hour German youngster Shkodran Mustafi had a header from a corner cleared off the line as Everton pressed to make the breakthrough.

The visitors were then denied by the woodwork as Ross Barkley saw his effort come back off the bar.

Paul Weldon’s free-kick went wide for Boro, while Gray was denied by Davies, and Baxter fired just wide at the other end.

Everton struck the woodwork again as Barkley’s low left-footed shot came back off the inside of the post.

But in extra-time McAleny headed home the winner from six yards following a Baxter corner.

The Everton captain also hit the post with another effort but it didn’t matter and Dewsnip’s youngsters can look forward to another Youth Cup tie in the New Year.