1pm 5 February 2023
Premier League Cup, Round of 16
Bristol City U21 2 Everton U21 1 (att 250)
I doubt many people realise the Premier League has its own cup competition. They can be forgiven for not knowing about it, as it features under 21 sides from the country's leading academies.
This and other last 16 knock out ties come after a group stage. Bristol City won their group, and progressed to the last eight after seeing off Everton's youngsters.
These days under 21 level is the closest most professional clubs have to a reserve team, so a win against Premier League opposition was a great result for Bristol City.
They had the perfect start, attacking from kick off and immediately winning a penalty. By the time it was taken, and scored, barely two minutes were on the clock. A second goal quickly followed, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Everton got a goal back early in the second half, and most of what followed was Everton attack against Bristol City defence. The home side tried to hit on the break, but a third home goal rarely looked likely.
It was a nervy finish for City as Everton increased the pressure while the clock ticked on, but in the end the visitors' efforts were to no avail.
The venue was Bristol City's training ground, or 'high performance centre' as it's grandly titled officially. It's in Failand, south west of Bristol, and adjacent to the QEH Sports Ground where they used to train and where I saw them play a youth team game in 2011.
It's more than just a training ground. It's also home to the club's women's team, and the main pitch has a seated stand running the length of one side. Only half the stand was open to spectators for this match, and admission was by ticket, obtainable for free from Bristol City's website. Officially it was 'sold out'.
Comments
Post a Comment