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Everton narrowly missed out on the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup after losing 7-6 on penalties to Preston North End.

Kevin Sheedy’s side looked the better of the two in all aspects at Deepdale, but were unlucky to miss out through a hard-fought shootout.

Everton’s communication and defensive shape was perhaps the most impressive part of their game in normal time.

Melle Meulensteen, son of former Manchester United assistant Rene, created an early chance for the home side when he cut in from the right wing and unleashed a left footed effort wide of the post.

Once Everton settled in however, they made it hard work for the Lilywhites and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and control.

But for all their hard work at the back, they were by and large wasteful up top.

Danny Bramall and Nathan Moore offered useful outlets on the Everton flanks and their trickery, confidence and pace were highlights for the Blues.

Chances were few and far between for the visitors in the first half. Skipper Jack Kiersey’ sliced half-volley which faded wide of the upright was the young Blues’ only chance of the first period.

On the stroke of half-time, Preston’s Cameron Day leapt above the Everton defence to latch on to a Meulensteen free kick before it crashed into the post.

For all Everton’s possession, their efforts in attack were in vain during a frustrating first 45.

A real highlight for the young Blues was Alex Denny in midfield, who marshalled the middle of the park with a tireless work rate – stopping all of Preston’s advances.

Everton came out the much stronger team after the break. Fraser Hornby beat ‘keeper Callum Roberts to a long ball in but could only manage to head over.

The Blues enjoyed sustained pressure in the second-half, subjecting the Lilywhites’ defence to numerous balls into the box, which Hornby and others couldn’t quite convert.

Right-back Liam Morris unleashed a tremendous 30-yard effort which Roberts couldn’t handle, but the rebound again didn’t fall to the foot of Hornby and the ‘keeper gathered.

The closing 10 minutes of normal time turned into something of a siege.

Preston couldn’t leave their half and chances for Bramall, Hornby and skipper Jack Kiersey failed to find the net.

In extra time, some tired young legs saw a first-half without chances, with long balls being the order of the day.

Hornby once again climbed to meet Kiersey’s corner in the second-half, only for it to be cleared off the line, arguably the Blues best chance of the game – certainly the closest they came to scoring.

But after 120 exhausting minutes, it ended goalless.

Onto penalties.

Ben Pierce did well to save two penalties but misses from Ryan Harrington, Manasse Mampala and, ultimately, Michael Collins meant the young Blues went down 7-6 at the end of a gruelling shootout.

Match facts

Everton (4-4-2): Ben Pierce, Liam Morris, Ryan Harrington, Alex Denny, Callum Lees, Morgan Feeney, Danny Bramall (Collins 105’), Jack Kiersey (c), Shayne Lavery (Baningime 35’), Fraser Hornby, Nathan Moore (Mampala 97’)

Subs: Joseph Hilton, Beni Baningime, Michael Collins, Thomas Scully, Manasse Mampala

Preston North End (4-4-2): Callum Roberts, Leon Creech, Kamol Campbell, Kian Smart (Garstang 73’), Cameron Day (Stead 80’), Jack Burgoyne, Alex Wood, Oscar O’Neil, Dylan Davidson (Howard 111’), Melle Meulensteen (c), Joshua Earl

Subs: Tom Stead, James Cottam, Harry Garstang, Michael Howard, Myles Mason

Referee: Mr R Wootton

Penalties

Everton scorers – Fraser Hornby, Liam Morris, Alex Denny, Morgan Feeney, Beni Baningime, Jack Kiersey

Everton misses – Ryan Harrington, Manasse Mampala, Michael Collins

PNE scorers – Callum Roberts, Jack Burgoyne, Oscar O’Neil, Melle Meulensteen, Joshua Earl, Harry Garstang, Michael Howard

PNE misses – Alex Wood, Tom Stead