Everton extended their unbeaten run to 12 games as they booked their spot in the FA Youth Cup fourth round with a 2-0 victory over neighbours Tranmere Rovers.
The Young Blues – whose streak dates back to August – were forced to wait until first-half stoppage time to break the deadlock, when Fraser Hornby was tripped in the area by Rovers goalkeeper Patrick Wharton.
Hornby dusted himself off and made no mistake from the resulting penalty, giving Wharton little chance between the sticks.
The FA Youth Cup
Third Round7-8 December 2016
By Katie Falkingham
Three minutes after the restart, Everton doubled their advantage through Morgan Feeney, who pounced on an inswinging free-kick from the left to score within the six-yard box.
And they could have had several more in the second half had it not been for the heroics of Wharton, denying clear-cut chances from both Antony Evans and Shayne Lavery, tipping the latter’s powerful effort against the bar.
But they were made to work for their victory at Goodison Park as Tranmere were unlucky not to pull themselves back into the tie in the second period, twice hitting the woodwork through Kevin Cringle and Tom Croughan efforts.
Broxbourne Borough have reached the FA Youth Cup fourth round for the first time
Joining Everton in the last 32 will be FC Broxbourne Borough, who continued their fairytale FA Youth Cup run by triumphing 1-0 at home to Chester on Wednesday night, despite having to wait until extra time to end the stalemate.
Both sides had gone close in normal time, with Broxbourne failing to capitalise on several one-on-one situations, before Brandon Walsh kept the hosts in the game with two fine saves in the second half.
But in the 115th minute, Jack Hockney rose highest from a corner, thumping a header into the back of the net to put his side into the hat for the fourth round.
