EVERTON’S Under-21s were held to a stalemate with Nottingham Forest as they kicked off their pre-season friendlies schedule.
Watched by Roberto Martinez, the Blues were the dominant force for much of the contest but could not quite create the clear cut chance that their play deserved.
Stubbs was pleased with the efforts of his side in their first pre-season fixture.
“The lads have had a hard few weeks and that was our first run out up until now,” he said. “I thought they tried to do the right things today. It’s not about results at the moment, it’s about getting performances. What we asked them to do was to apply themselves in the game and use it for what it was.
“Today’s exercise was about fitness but also about performances and building up towards August 10 when our first game is.
“I think the lads were happy to be back out there. To be fair, they have done a lot of football this pre-season – it hasn’t just been running. We have also got quite a few to come back.
“We also have a few young ones in the team playing their first game at this level. They were a bit nervous but it’s up to them to step up now.”
