Late Push Not Enough as Everton Under-21s Fall to Nottingham Forest at Home

Everton Under-21s’ late surge for a Premier League 2 point was in vain as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at The Big Help Stadium. A tense finish saw Everton push relentlessly for an equalizer.

Goals from Jamie McDonell and an own goal by Edward Jones gave Nottingham Forest a two-goal lead, with Harrison Armstrong pulling one back for Everton just before half-time.

Billy Crellin made some impressive saves, including denying Forest a third goal in the second half in a one-on-one situation with Joe Gardner.

Coach Paul Tait made four changes to the Everton side, with Lewis Warrington returning from his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle due to injury.

Early chances fell to Nottingham Forest, with McDonell’s header narrowly missing the target. Everton then threatened with a Jenson Metcalfe shot saved by Bott.

Nottingham Forest opened the scoring through McDonell’s header at the back post, after a short free-kick routine. They added a second after the ball deflected off Jones and crept over the line.

Armstrong brought Everton back into the game with a header just before the break. Metcalfe provided the assist with a well-placed corner kick.

As Forest looked to restore their lead in the second half, Crellin made a crucial save against Gardner’s solo effort. Everton pushed hard for an equalizer but efforts from Okoronkwo and Hunt missed the target.

In the dying minutes, Armstrong and Forest’s Osong both came close to scoring, but Everton’s late surge wasn’t enough to salvage a point.

Next up, Everton Under-21s face Fulham at Walton Hall Park on Monday 26 February.