Manchester United Res 2-0 Everton Res

Goals from Will Keane and Jesse Lingard saw off an experienced Everton side in this lively encounter.

Everton's travelling party included names such as Marcus Hahnemann, Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye and James McFadden, as well as players such as Chris Long and Anton Forrester who have been impressing for the U18 side of late.

The Everton line-up was; Hahnemann, Browning, Mustafi, Nsiala, Bidwell, Forshaw, Lundstram, Barkley, Gueye, Stracqualursi, McFadden, with a substitutes bench consisting of Davies, Hope, Dier, Forrester and Long.

United started brightly and found themselves a goal to the good after just 6 minutes when Will Keane jinked through the Everton defence and lashed a shot past Marcus Hahnemann.

Ross Barkley saw an effort fly over the bar, although the majority of the action was at the other end of the field. Davide Petrucci and Jesse Lingard were both denied by Hahnemann, whilst an exceptional sliding tackle from Shkodran Mustafi blocked a goal-bound Mame Biram Diouf shot.

United's England U19 international Larnell Cole was thwarted by Hahnemann, but Everton shaded the final 10 minutes of the first half and both Adam Forshaw and Denis Stracqualursi had opportunities to draw the visitors level.

James McFadden was replaced by Chris Long, rewarded for his fine goalscoring form with the U18s, at the break. The hosts also made a change, bringing on Sean McGinty for Ezekiel Fryers.

With almost an hour on the clock, Everton came within inches of an equaliser. Magaye Gueye smashed a left-footed shot onto the bar with United keeper Ben Amos a spectator.

Ross Barkley showcased his talent with a free-kick and a long-range strike, but it was United who scored the second - and decisive - goal. McGinty crossed and forward Lingard secured the win on 82 minutes.

Bidwell Named In England U19 Squad

Young Everton defender Jake Bidwell has been included in the England U19 squad to face Denmark next week.

Last year's Academy Player of the Season Bidwell is a versatile player who can play as a full-back or in the centre of defence, and his good form for Everton's Academy and reserve sides has seen him rewarded with international recognition.

Having previously played for England at U16 and U17 level, he has been named in an 18-man squad for the U19 game against Denmark at Brighton & Hove Albion's Amex Stadium on Thursday 10th November.

The full England U19 squad is:

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Scunthorpe United, on loan from Manchester United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Todd Kane (Chelsea), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Jamaal Lascelles(Nottingham Forest), Jake Bidwell (Everton), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Conor Coady (Liverpool), George Thorne (West Bromwich Albion), Ravel Morrison(Manchester United), Larnell Cole (Manchester United), Luke Williams (Middlesbrough), Nicholas Yennaris(Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Morgan (Liverpool), Saido Berahino (Northampton Town, on loan from West Bromwich Albion), Will Keane (Manchester United).

Everton Reserves 2-0 Sunderland Reserves

Everton's second string recorded a 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon thanks to a late strike from Conor McAleny and an own goal from Sunderland's Liam Marrs.

Marcus Hahnemann started his first game since joining the club and the American custodian was joined in making his reserve team debut by 16-year-old left-back Ibou Touray. German U20 defender Shkodran Mustafi was joined in central defence by Jake Bidwell - a left-back by trade - whilst Tyias Browning played at right-back.

Adam Forshaw and Magaye Gueye operated the flanks with James Wallace and Ross Barkley in the centre of midfield. Argentine Denis Stracqualursi partnered the returning James McFadden up front.

The Everton bench consisted of; Adam Davies, John Lundstram, Femi Orenuga, Conor McAleny and Anton Forrester.

It was midfielder - and Everton captain - James Wallace who had the game's first opportunity, firing wide from 25 yards after 12 minutes. At the other end Tyias Browning was forced into making a goal-line clearance after a dangerous Sunderland corner.

It was Wallace who had the best chance of the opening period. French winger Magaye Gueye sent in a low ball but the resulting shot from the onrushing Wallace was just over the crossbar.

Marcus Hahnemann was called into action to save a half-volley from Sunderland's Jordan Cook, but an exciting first-half was to end on a sour note for Everton as forward Denis Stracqualursi picked up an injury. He was replaced by Anton Forrester, who has been scoring for fun in the U18s.

Scotsman James McFadden was withdrawn at the break and replaced by young Conor McAleny. Everton had the better of the opening second-half exchanges, with substitute McAleny and Gueye both going close.

The blustery conditions almost contrived to thwart Everton as Hahnemann misjudged a cross, but Tyias Browning was there again to clear. Ross Barkley had a shot deflected over before Everton made their third and final substitution as James Wallace made way for Femi Orenuga.

Everton's pressure told when they took the lead on 82 minutes. Adam Forshaw's cross, aimed for the lurking Anton Forrester, hit the unfortunate Sunderland defender Liam Marrs and flew into the net.

A minute later Everton doubled the lead. Conor McAleny capitalised on an error by David Meyler and raced through to put Everton 2 goals to the good.

Marcus Hahnemann made sure his first game ended with a clean sheet with a superb save from Sunderland's Roarie Deacon and the game ended 2-0.

Everton Reserves 2-1 Aston Villa Reserves

A strong Everton second string beat Aston Villa by 2 goals to 1 at the Stobart Stadium in Widnes tonight thanks to first-half goals from Ross Barkley and Royston Drenthe.

Reserve team boss Alan Stubbs was able to call on a host of recognisable names for the fourth reserve fixture of the campaign. They included Slovakian number 1 Jan Mucha, teenage starlet Ross Barkley and new signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi, who had both been added to the reserve squad for a bit of added match fitness.

The full Everton starting line-up was; Mucha, Browning, Nsiala, Mustafi, Garbutt, Gueye, Baxter, Barkley, Drenthe, McAleny, Stracqualursi, with a substitutes bench of Davies, Bidwell, Forshaw, Orenuga, and Hope.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides and went mightily close to taking the lead when Robinson hit the bar with a 25-yard effort. Villa were on top, but Everton threatened through Ross Barkley and Magaye Gueye as the young duo took the game to Villa.

Indeed, it was that combination that gave Everton the lead. Frenchman Gueye cut the ball back to Barkley, who slotted home from the edge of the area to break the deadlock.

Royston Drenthe, who made his senior Everton debut at the weekend, was heavily involved. One of his less spectacular contributions was a volley that cleared the stand behind the goal, although he did extend Everton's lead before half-time.

A swift counter-attacking move started by goalkeeper Mucha allowed Drenthe to showcase his blistering pace. Magaye Gueye grabbed his second assist of the evening, teeing up the flying Dutchman to make it 2-0.

Denis Stracqualursi, pulling on the royal blue for the first time, showed some neat hold-up play but wasn't overly threatening in terms of goalscoring. He may have to rely on his physical presence to prove a handful for Premier League defences. But the stand-out player for the home side was by far and away Ross Barkley, who, by the admission of the Aston Villa commentator Dan, was 'a class act' and 'majestic'.

Drenthe lived up to his reputation as a bit of a nutcase when, midway through the second half, he blatantly and without any hint of disguise pushed over a Villa player who had just fouled Everton striker Conor McAleny. He was shown a yellow card for his troubles. The derby may be interesting - especially given he has a bit of previous with Stevie G laa...

Aston Villa pulled one back after a shot was parried by Mucha, but Everton held on to claim their second win of the reserve league season.

Norwich City Reserves 2-1 Everton Reserves

A youthful Everton reserve side lost 2-1 to Norwich at Carrow Road on Tuesday night in their third fixture of the season.

The visitors were missing a host of players for various reasons. Both regular centre backs Shane Duffy and Shkodran Mustafi were away on international duty with Ireland U21 and Germany U19 respectively.

Nigerian duo Yakubu and Joseph Yobo, who had both featured in the second string's opening two games, were also absent form the squad. Yobo is expected to complete his protracted transfer to Fenerbahce tomorrow, whilst Yakubu could also be on his way out.

That meant that coach Alan Stubbs had a young set of players from which to choose from and the selected starting eleven was: Davies, Browning, Nsiala, Dier, Bidwell, Orenuga, Lundstram, Forshaw, Garbutt, Baxter, McAleny.

Everton took the lead just before half time when, after Norwich goalkeeper Remi Matthews had made a smart double save, midfielder John Lundstram scored from range.

In front of a crowd that included ex-Everton and current Norwich forward James Vaughan, the canaries fought hard in the second half and grabbed a deserved equaliser on 73 minutes through Richard Brindley.

Minutes later the home side won a penalty when Andrew Surman went over in the box. The same player picked himself up and took the spot-kick, but Adam Davies in the Everton goal saved the effort - just as Tim Howard had done for the senior side at Ewood Park on Saturday.

The fixture looked to be heading for a draw but Norwich stole all three points in injury time through Aaron Wilbraham and Everton left empty-handed.

West Brom Reserves 2-2 Everton Reserves

Two Everton goals in the space of as many minutes earned Everton reserves a point against West Bromwich Albion in the first game of the new campaign.

Conor McAleny and Yakubu scored Everton's goals in the 73rd and 75th minutes respectively to salvage Everton a point after efforts from West Brom's James Hurst and Saido Berahino had left the visitors 2-0 down.

Goalscorer Yakubu and fellow Nigerian Joseph Yobo were the most experienced names on the Everton teamsheet, and both played the full game in the behind-closed-doors fixture.

In the opening exchanges both James Wallace and Conor McAleny had efforts saved, but the Blues fell behind on 38 minutes to a James Hurst volley.

Despite suffering that setback Everton continued to attack and further chances fell to Yakubu and Femi Orenuga, whilst Yobo went close from a free-kick.

Youngster Berahino doubled the Baggies' advantage with a 68th minute tap-in, but Everton again responded well and were rewarded shortly afterwards.

A left-wing cross from Jake Bidwell was headed home by McAleny and just two minutes later the Blues were level as Yakubu's neat finish rescued a deserved point.

West Bromwich Albion: Fulop; Jones, McAuley, Ibanez (Downing 45), Mattock (Gayle 72); Hurst (Edge 85), Thorne, Mantom, O'Neil; Sawyers, Berahino. Subs not used: Daniels, Goldsmith.

Everton: Davies; Browning, Yobo, Mustafi, Bidwell; Orenuga, Wallace, Baxter, Forshaw; McAleny, Yakubu. Subs not used: Roberts, Duffy, Nsiala, Forrester, Higgins.

Oxford United 1-0 Everton XI

As a Southern Toffee at a loose end on a Friday night, I headed along to see the 'stars of tomorrow' in action against Oxford United yesterday. The young Toffees put in a strong performance but were sunk by a fantastic James Constable volley.

Alan Stubbs' squad included five players that had joined up with the first team on the recent American tour; Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye, Conor McAleny, Apostolos Vellios and goalkeeper Adam Davies.

After paying my £14 - yes, £14 for a reserve friendly - I was admitted into the Kassam Stadium. It was, quite frankly a bit shit. The most obvious thing about the ground was that it only had three sides, a fact that, to the continuous annoyance of the ballboys, meant that anytime a shot flew over the fence behind the goal, it would have to be found somewhere in the car park.

I only just arrived in time for kick off after getting trapped in Friday night traffic, although luckily the 60s style scoreboard told me that the line up was; Davies, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Garbutt, Orenuga, Forshaw, Barkley, Gueye, McAleny, Vellios.

With it being a youthful side against a full-strength League 2 side, I was expecting quite an even game. The first half proved anything but. Everton dominated proceedings with Barkley and Forshaw in centre midfield controlling the game.

I had been looking forward to seeing Barkley play for the first time, and I wasn't disappointed. Although he faded a little after the break, for the first 45 minutes he was the best player on the park. His touch, control and passing were all flawless, he always looked for a forward pass or a run and he was utterly comfortable on the ball. He was the creative hub of the team and bore likeness to an on-song Mikel Arteta.

Winger Femi Orenuga also impressed on the right-hand side. He is quick and skilful and reminded me somewhat of Shaun Wright-Phillips. On countless occasions he beat his man and delivered teasing crosses into the box.

Conor McAleny looked lively throughout and was always on the move. He was denied by the foot of the post, shortly before Magaye Gueye had warmed the keeper's gloves with a rasping free-kick. It was fair to say that Everton had the best of the first half, but Vellios' headed effort shortly before the break was another missed opportunity.

Vellios was replaced by Joao Silva at half-time, with Lundstram, Hope and Bidwell all entering the fray later in the second period. Oxford came back into the game and almost went ahead when Tyias Browning's short backpass was well dealt with under pressure by goalkeeper Adam Davies.

Everton should have taken the lead shortly afterwards with a solo counter attack from Ross Barkley. The blue-booted youngster 'did a Beckford' and ran with the ball from inside his own half towards the opposition goal. He was joined by Silva and Orenuga, but elected to try to chip the 'keeper rather than pass. His shot went just wide and that was just about the last action we saw of him as he was withdrawn by Alan Stubbs.

Oxford scored what proved to be the winner on 58 minutes - and it was a goal worthy of winning any match. The ball sat up nicely on the edge of the area and James Constable needed no invitation, sending a powerful volley into the top left hand corner. Unstoppable.

Oxford held onto the lead but it was a pleasing performance from the young Toffees, who did threaten later on in the game through Orenuga and Duffy. It ended 1-0 but as we all know the results are irrelevant in pre-season.

For me, it was an enjoyable evening and a good opportunity to see first hand tomorrow's Goodison heroes.

Remember the name - Ross Barkley.

StickyToffee Ratings: Davies 6, Browning 5, Duffy 6, Mustafi 8, Garbutt 7, Orenuga 8, Forshaw 7, Barkley 8, Gueye 6, McAleny 6, Vellios 5.

Subs: Silva 5, Bidwell 5, Hope 5, Lundstram 5

Southport 2-0 Everton XI

An Everton XI was well beaten by Southport this afternoon in the final of the 2011 Liverpool Senior Cup as goals from Karl Ledschan and former Everton youngster John Paul Kissock handed the Sandgrounders a deserved 2-0 victory.

The Everton side was Mateusz Taudul, Tyias Browning, Shane Duffy, Shkodran Mustafi, Jake Bidwell, Jordan Barrow, Adam Forshaw, Jose Baxter, John Lundstram, Luke Garbutt and Joao Silva.

The Blues were behind in just 90 seconds, as a long throw-in was not dealt with by the Everton defence and turned home by Ledschan. Southport doubled their advantage on eight minutes as the outstanding Kissock curled in a free-kick from 30 yards.

Everton, without Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios who are in America with the first team, failed to recover from the two early goals.

Anton Forrester, Adam Forshaw and Adam Thomas all came on to try to salvage the result but all Everton's efforts were in vain.

It was a below-par performance which ended in Southport running out comfortable winners. Captain Jose Baxter tweeted: "For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful."

Dynamo Moscow 0-2 Everton Reserves

Everton deservedly secured third place in the 2011 VTB Lev Yashin Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over hosts Dynamo Moscow on Saturday afternoon. The Toffees missed a penalty and received a harsh sending off before a Conor McAleny brace secured an impressive 2-0 victory.

Everton's captain Jose Baxter saw his first-half spot-kick hit the crossbar after Joao Silva was hauled down inside the area. The scores were level at the break, and after the interval Everton were soon down to 10 men following the dismissal of Aristote Nsiala.

Everton showed their fighting spirit and a double from Conor McAleny was enough to earn a bronze medal, whilst simultaneously making sure that it was an awful weekend for the hosts.

* * *

After seeing his charges lose narrowly to German side SC Freiburg on Friday, coach Alan Stubbs made four changes to his U21 line-up. Conor McAleny replaced Apostolos Vellios in attack, Luke Garbutt came in for Jake Bidwell at left-back, Jordan Barrow took up the central midfield role in place of John Lundstram and, in a late change, Shkodran Mustafi pulled out and was replaced by Aristote Nsiala in the heart of defence.

That meant that Everton lined up in a 4-4-2 formation as follows: Adam Davies; Tyias Browning, Aristote Nsiala, Shane Duffy, Luke Garbutt; Jordan Barrow, Jose Baxter (c), Adam Forshaw, Araz Abdullayev; Conor McAleny, Joao Silva.

The Everton substitutes were; Mateusz Taudul, Jake Bidwell, Shkodran Mustafi, John Lundstram, Anton Forrester, Apostolos Vellios and Hallam Hope.

Everton started the game brightly an Joao Silva was presented with the game's first real chance after being sent clean through. The Portuguese forward lifted the ball over the 'keeper, but his shot clipped the post and bounced agonisingly out of play. Conor McAleny also had a good chance in a lively opening spell from for the visitors.

Minutes later, and with Everton doing all the pressing, Silva was hauled down inside the area and the referee had no option but to award Everton a penalty. Jose Baxter stepped up, but drilled his effort against the crossbar and the sides remained level at the break.

At the interval Vellios was introduced as Everton pushed for a breakthrough goal, and recently-signed Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Taudul came on for his Everton debut.

Soon after the interval Everton found themselves down to 10 men after defender Aristote Nsiala received his marching orders. A yellow for an 'elbow' was quickly followed by another for dissent (from a Russian referee whom he could barely understand), and the centre-half was harshly sentenced to an early bath.

Undeterred, Everton kept pressing and no sooner had Nsiala finished running his bath had Everton taken the lead. Greek substitute Apostolos Vellios put through Conor McAleny, who lifted the ball over the 'keeper to put the 10 men in front.

McAleny notched his and Everton's second just a few minutes later to cap off an excellent display by the Young Toffees, who will return to England with the bronze medal.

Everton Reserves 0-1 SC Freiburg

An U-21 Everton side lost by a solitary goal to SC Freiburg in the VTB Lev Yashin Cup in Moscow this evening, and will now face hosts Dynamo Moscow in tomorrow's 3rd/4th place play-off.

Adam Davies donned the gloves in goal for Everton and was protected by a back four of Tyias Browning, Shkodran Mustafi, Shane Duffy and Jake Bidwell. Captain Jose Baxter lined up in midfield alongside John Lundstram, Adam Forshaw and surprise inclusion Araz Abdullayev. There was a Portu-Greek combination up front as Joao Silva partnered Apostolos Vellios in attack.

New signing Mateusz Taudul was named on the bench and was joined by Aristote Nsiala, Conor McAleny, Jordan Barrow, Hallam Hope, Luke Garbutt and Anton Forrester.

Azerbaijani winger Abduallayev, 19, was invited along to the tournament by Everton, who last year secured first option on the Neftchi Baku player - subject to the youngster being able to obtain a work permit.

Except for the official Everton updates on Twitter - which were hampered by internet problems - there was not a hint of coverage of the match on the internet.

From the little I could gather, however, Everton started well and centre-half Mustafi was denied by a great save from the Freiburg goalkeeper. However, the Blues fell behind just after the half-hour mark to a 25-yard strike from Freiburg's Erich Sautner.

Despite some positive play from skipper Baxter, and a penalty appeal from Hallam Hope, 1-0 was how it stayed as the young squad were unable to find a second-half equaliser.

In the other game in the 4-team tournament, Serbian side OFK Belgrad defeated hosts Dynamo Moscow 3-1, meaning that the final will be contested between OFK Belgrad and Freiburg, whilst Everton will face Dynamo Moscow in the 3rd/4th place play-off.

Those fixtures will be played tomorrow - be sure to check back then to see how the Blues fare.

Youngster Long In England Squad

Everton's academy striker Chris Long has been named in Kenny Swain's England U-17 squad for the upcoming Nordic tournament, which will see the Young Lions travel to Iceland.

Long was one of nine academy starlets who graduated into becoming full-time footballers at Everton earlier this month, and has now been named as part of the 18-man squad that will take part in the annual Summer friendly tournament.

England will face opposition from the Faroe Islands, Norway and Iceland before a final placing match against either Sweden, Denmark, Finland or a second Iceland team.

Long will follow in the footsteps of Jack Rodwell and Jake Bidwell, who both previously competed in the tournament, and Tyias Browning, Jasper Johns and John Lundstram, who were part of the England squad that took home last year's trophy.

Long has represented England at U-16 level during the 2010 Victory Shield, and also played for Everton at the 2010 Future Champions tournament in Brazil.

My Alternative End of Season Awards

The annual Everton awards were held last night and Leighton Baines left with a deserved three-trophy haul, having won Player's Player of the Season, Player of the Season and Goal of the Season for his last-minute free-kick against Chelsea. Duncan Ferguson was honoured with the title of 'Everton giant', Seamus Coleman bagged Young Player of the Season, Jose Baxter took home the gong for Reserve Player of the Season and Jake Bidwell was crowned Academy Player of the Season. The Howard Kendall Award for Outstanding Achievement went to the league-winning U-18 side, whilst chairman Bill Kenwright honoured David Moyes and Leon Osman with his 'Blue Blood' award. The award for Ladies Player of the Season went to Natasha Dowie, who scored the winner in Everton's FA Cup final win.

Most of the results turned out as expected, so I thought I would have a go at dishing out some of my own, admittedly less prestigious, awards. Without further ado, I present to you my alternative end of season awards:

Game of the Season

It may have been a slightly disappointing season but there have been some real highlights. To name just a few - the Goodison wins over Manchester City and Liverpool, and the late comeback against Manchester United. For me though, in terms of sheer footballing entertainment, this award has to go to Everton 5-3 Blackpool. Both sides contributed to an absolute classic - one of the best games I have ever seen at Goodison.

Highlight of the Season

The season has brought some incredible highs, but none higher than the FA Cup 4th Round victory at Stamford Bridge. Six-thousand Evertonians, Heitinga's shove on Ashley Cole and, of course, Phil Neville's emphatic winning penalty. What a day.

Lowlight of the Season

Where to start? The 4-1 defeat to West Brom? Failing to beat Wolves and Wigan at home? The utterly abject performance at Bolton? There are, sadly, too many to mention. If pushed though, I would select the loss to Brentford in the Carling Cup. The way we exited both the cups was utterly disappointing, especially after holding so much belief we could reach Wembley again.

The Per Kroldrup Award for Flop of the Season

This was the year that Jack Rodwell was meant to cement his position in the side, and take steps towards fulfilling his potential. I still believe he can make it to the top, as does admirer Sir Alex Ferguson, but injuries and poor form have made him my flop of the season. In my opinion, he needs to start controlling games and move away from the Ray Wilkins-style 'crab' performances that we have seen from him this year. Also nominated for this award was Mikel Arteta.

The Classiest Moment of the Season

We may not have the resources of many other clubs, but one thing that Everton will always have in abundance is class. For me, the way that the majority of our fans stayed behind to clap Reading off the pitch after our FA Cup loss was a tribute to our club. It epitomised what Everton are all about and, although it didn't make up for our dismal showing that night, it gave us all a hint of pride.

The 'Love Him or Hate Him Award', sponsored by Marmite

This award can only go to one player - Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. I want to love Billy, and the talent is clearly there, but his performances are too inconsistent. He is an enigma: at times magical but at others lethargic and totally anonymous.

The Emmanuel Eboue Award for Winning over the Fans

I'm going to give this one to Sylvain Distin. Many were not sure about the French centre-half before the season, with most suggesting that Moyes' favoured pairing would be Jagielka and Heitinga. Aside from a few mistakes, Distin has been solid and dependable, and is probably only second to Leighton Baines in the running for player of the season. Has scored some vital goals to boot - against Liverpool and old club Manchester City.

The Lady Gaga Award for providing endless Internet Gossip

There is only one man deserving of this title - step forward Mr John Heitinga. Although the latest news is that he wants to stay, he has fuelled rumours of moves to, amongst others, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. He has been quoted as saying that 'I am always looking to move to a bigger club', and it seems that after every international break there is a new story linking him with a Goodison Park exit.

The Splinter-in-the-bum Award

It was to be expected, unless Tim Howard had picked up an injury, that Jan Mucha would spend the majority of the season on the substitutes' bench. That has proved to be the case, and the Slovakian number one looks set to move on in the Summer.

The Sandra Redknapp Award for Miss of the Season

Ok, so I realise it may not have been for Everton, and that the player has been on loan since January, but this award can only go to Yakubu's miss for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup. It defied belief. It was so bad that it gets worse each time you see it. I mean, it was two yards out. Open goal. As Hawwy 'the dog' Redknapp said: "my missus could've scored!"

The Amr Zaki Award for unjustified early season hope

Not his fault at all - and I must point out he is a legend in my eyes - but I couldn't think of anyone but Tim Cahill for this one. His goals carried us through the first part of the season, but the Asia Cup unfortunately ruined his season. It's great news that he's said he'll be resting up over the Summer - we need him fit and ready for next season.

So there you have them, my end of season awards. Onwards and hopefully upwards as we look forward with hope to next season (although the hope will have inevitably gone by September).

Everton U18s defeat Fulham in Final

Everton's academy showed the first team how it's done as they were crowned the best academy side in the country at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

Their victory is made even more impressive by the fact that their opponents were Fulham, and therefore the Thames-side venue was hardly a neutral one. The young blues were also with three of their most important players: Hallam Hope and John Lundstram were on England duty, whilst Swede Johan Hammar picked up an injury 15 minutes into the semi-final victory over Aston Villa.

The side, managed by Ray Hall and coached by a team including Neil Dewsnip and Everton legend Kevin Sheedy, fell behind just after the 70th minute, but showed togetherness and true Everton spirit to overturn the deficit and return to Mersyside as champions.

From what I've read the affair wasn't the liveliest but some Everton youngsters showed promise, especially Sporting Lisbon loanee Eric Dier. He had a good game alongside Jake Bidwell in the heart of Everton's defence, although he made a slight error that might well have cost the visitors a penalty.

Various reports have also singled out Connor McAleny, who has sat on the first-team bench a few times this season, and Tom Donegan.

McAleny: star of the future?

The game kicked into life in the final 20 minutes. First Fulham took the lead when forward Ross Minkwitz fired a low shot into the corner from 12 yards on 74 minutes. The goal seemed to galvanise the young toffees who hit back, inspired by forward Adam Thomas. Thomas equalised on 81 minutes, capitalising on a poor Fulham clearance to slot home.

The scorer then turned provider, crossing for substitute George Waring to plant a header over the keeper and into the net. The goal cued wild celebrations which continued after the academy side managed to hold on and lift the U18 League Trophy.

The young toffees celebrate taking the lead

Captain fantastic: Jake Bidwell with the trophy

Congratulations to the young blues!