Brief Friendly Report – Everton 2-1 Port Vale

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The Valiants lost 2-1 to Premier League side Everton in a behind closed doors friendly match played on Tuesday afternoon.

Darren Moore named both Funso Ojo and Lorent Tolaj in his starting line-up but named a completely different eleven for the second-half including a trialist in goal.

Irish striker Ruari Paton opened the scoring and became the first opposition player to score at Everton’s new stadium when he netted past Jordan Pickford on two minutes.

The Valiants had further chances to stretch their lead through Paton and fellow striker Ben Waine but took a one goal advantage into the break.

The home side had the first chance of the second-half when Ndiaye went close. Vale then could have stretched their lead when Stockley met Byer’s cross but home keeper Travers made a good initial save and a fine follow-up to deny Rico Richards.

Everton then turned the game around in the final period. Alcaraz picked up the ball just outside the Vale box and curled an effort into the bottom right-hand corner. Moments later, Everton were then awarded a free-kick 25 yards from goal and Garner emphatically smash the ball into the top corner from range to give the hosts the win.

Port Vale match stats

Vale side first-half: Marko Marosi, Mitch Clark, Kyle John, Cameron Humphreys, Connor Hall, Jaheim Headley, Funso Ojo, Jordan Shipley, Ruari Paton, Lorent Tolaj, Ben Waine

Vale side second-half: Trialist, Ryan Croasdale, Rico Richards, George Byers, Sam Hart, Jayden Stockley, Jesse Debrah, James Plant, Rhys Walters, Ben Heneghan, Liam Gordon

Goals: Ruari Paton (2)