Everton: Josh Bowler makes an early impression for the Blues

Josh Bowler scored his first goal for the Everton Under-23s side, as they played a six-goal thriller versus Accrington Stanley on Saturday, at the Wham Stadium.

Everton had to show real patience and determination, to persuade Queens Park Rangers to let Josh Bowler go. Big things are predicted for the highly rated youngster.

Bowler gave a glimpse on Saturday of what fans can expect from him, as he opened his scoring account for the Blues. And his strike came in dramatic circumstances, right on the stroke of half-time, to give the Everton Under-23s a 2-1 lead in their pre-season game versus Accrington Stanley.

The 18-year old took his chance well, as he calmly converted Anton Donkor’s low centre from the left. In all, he played 62 minutes, before David Unsworth made wholesale changes with nine substitutions.

As for the team as a whole, they were chomping at the bit to play again, after Wednesday’s friendly versus Burscough was cancelled. As reported at the time by the Echo‘s David Prentice, there were unspecified issues with the playing surface at Victoria Park.

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Another reason the youngsters were eager to play, was to build on the momentum from last Saturday’s 6-1 win in Flint. In the end, Unsworth’s team had to settle for a 3-3 draw, in what was a hugely entertaining, end-to-end encounter.

As usual, perspective plays a big part in how the result is viewed. Do you focus on the fact they have started the pre-season in such free-scoring form, or concern yourself with the three goals they conceded versus Accrington?

The reality is, it’s early days and this is just the pre-season. Further, as evidenced by the flurry of substitutions, Unsworth is experimenting at this stage and making sure everyone gets an opportunity to play.

One thing that should be focused on, is the team’s mental fortitude. This was on full display at the Wham Stadium, as the Under-23s twice came from behind, to earn the draw.

It’s clear the youngsters have a never-say-die attitude. No doubt this belief was reinforced by winning the Premier League 2 title and should serve as a warning shot to other teams.

Everton’s other two goals came from captain David Henen and Danny Bramall. Henen was extremely active in general, as he had two other excellent opportunities to score.

The Toffees will travel to La Manga on Sunday, for the next stage of their pre-season. Their next official friendly won’t be until 5 August, when they travel to North West Wales, to play Bangor City.

Next: Everton back in Europe, but for how long?

What’s you main takeaway from the Everton Under-23s’ first two pre-season games? Further, what kind of campaign are you expecting from the youngsters? Can they replicate their title success from 2016/17? Share your thoughts in the comments section.