Young and BOLD

WINGERS SHOW PROMISE AT STANLEY TO HIGHLIGHT BLUES' TRANSFER PRIORITY

- By JOE THOMAS Everton FC Correspondent

EVERTON'S opening game of preseason was about fitness rather than learning lessons.

But David Moyes will still have left the Wham Stadium with some useful takeaways some new, some that he already knew but which will now have hardened in his mind.

These are the key points taken by the ECHO after watching the Blues grab a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley thanks to Beto’s late penalty.

Fearlessness of youth

The highlight of this match was the impact of the younger players.

Youth was always going to be blended with experience given the threadbare nature of the squad a matter made all the more significant with Iliman Ndiaye, Jordan Pickford and Idrissa Gueye absent having only returned to Finch Farm on Monday and with new signings Mark Travers and Thierno Barry yet to link up with their teammates.

Teen star Harrison Armstrong is becoming a known quantity his talent is there for all to see and he made a strong case to remain part of the first team set up on Tuesday night.

The element of surprise instead came from the wingers Isaac Heath and Justin Clarke.

Both brought confidence and fearlessness to the pitch when they were given their chance midway through the second half.