Everton Reserves 0 Boro Reserves 0
BORO Reserves fought out a 0-0 draw with Everton Reserves on Merseyside last night, writes SAM LOUGHRAN from the Stobart Stadium, Widnes.
The game saw the return of both Brad Jones and Seb Hines, the pair having recovered from hamstring and thigh problems respectively.
The result brought a confidence-restoring point for Steve Agnew's side, following a heavy 5-0 reverse against Newcastle almost two weeks ago.
Adam Johnson was also included for the first time this season. The left-winger, who enjoyed success at on-loan at Watford earlier in the season, has been involved with the first team squad but was handed the opportunity to start against a young Everton side.
Despite Everton's relative inexperience, it was Dan Gosling, a new signing from Plymouth Argyle, who almost gave the home side the lead inside a minute. Gosling's well-hit volley from the edge of the area had Jones at full stretch but the ball whistled over the bar.
Boro hit back and could have gone into the lead as Tom Craddock slid to connect with Adam Johnson's low, enticing cross from the left. The young striker was unlucky not to make proper contact.
The visitors came closest to opening the scoring in the final minute of the first half, but full-back John Johnson's rasping drive following a strong run fizzed just by the post.
Everton's Republic of Ireland U21 international Aidan Downes did his best to break a stubborn Boro backline on several occasions during the second half, but to no avail.
The game was a personal success for Jones, who played throughout, and Seb Hines, who completed 70 minutes.
Overall it was a well-earned point for Boro, who consolidated their fifth place in the Premier Reserve League North.
Teams
Everton: Ruddy; Densmore, Barnett, Sinnott, Dennehy, Morrison, Gosling, Rodwell, Agard (Codling, 84), Downes (Baxter, 84), Connor. Subs not used: Harpur, Jones, McCarten.
Boro: Jones; J Johnson, Hines (Bennett, 70), Williams, Grounds, Thompson, Smallwood, Kennedy (Saiko, 66), A Johnson, Craddock, Franks. Subs not used: Corker, Robinson.
Referee: Dean Mohareb
Website Boro Man of the Match: John Johnson
