Everton’s Under-18s have won the Gothia Cup, after defeating Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna 3-0.
Having progressed right the way through the prestigious youth competition undefeated, seeing off the likes of Gothenburg and Elfsberg, Kevin Sheedy’s side emphatically took the trophy with a comfortable win.
In Harry Charsley and Courtney Duffus, the Blues had two players in fine goalscoring form throughout the tournament, the duo continued to enjoy their respective purple patches in front of goal in the final.
Both were ultimately eclipsed by midfielder Ryan Ledson, who scooped the Player of the Tournament honour.
It was Duffus who edged his team-mate with a brace, the second of which – and the Toffees third – from the spot after he was brought down by the Brommapojkarna keeper. Charsley though managed to bag the second of Everton’s three goals.
“We have played some good teams and came through a very tough group,” said a satisfied Sheedy. “We got better as the tournament went on so overall we are very pleased with the efforts of the players.
“It was a tough schedule with six games in six days but the players have come through it with flying colours. They thoroughly deserved the victory.
“The final itself was quite comfortable, as the scoreline suggests. We scored early on – a good move by Callum Dyson set up Courtney for a tap-in after about 10 minutes. We then had a definite penalty not given and they rallied.
“But we kept playing and just after half time we got our second goal which was a real killer for them. We managed to go on and get then third and it ended up being a comfortable victory that, as I say, was well deserved.
“It is a really prestigious tournament and it’s the first time we have been in there. It’s massive competition with all the age groups that are out here. So we are really proud to have won the competition over some really top teams.
“The players have handled themselves really well and really represented Everton. There were a lot of people watching and they have been really impressed with the way we have played and the style of football we have had, so hopefully we have managed to gain a few more Everton fans for the future.”