Everton Under-21s will make their debut at Southport’s Merseyrail Community Stadium on Sunday.
The Blues announced earlier this season that home Under-21 games would be played at the ground, formerly known as Haig Avenue, but bad weather and fixture switches mean Sunday’s visit of Middlesbrough will be their first chance to play at their new ‘home’ ground.
Since Christmas Everton have won both their away games, beating Blackburn and Fulham. and now they are hoping to add a home win to that sequence of results.
Boss Alan Stubbs will delay selecting his team until after Saturday’s first team clash with Oldham but is likely to name a strong side with the Blues’ Under-18s side playing in the Youth Cup on Monday night.
Stubbs also explained the importance of playing at a real stadium rather than behind closed doors at Finch Farm.
“The manager and I didn’t like the thought of the games being held at the training ground because it didn’t give that feel of a matchday to the players,” he said.
“We would play friendly games there and everyone was very familiar with the surroundings. It didn’t give it that intensity of what it’s like on a matchday and the preparation involved.”
Kick-off for Sunday’s game is at 2pm. Everton Season Ticket holders and FOREVERTON members are able to gain free admission to all home Under-21 fixtures at Southport, with members of the public being able to gain access by payment at the turnstiles (Adults £5, concessions £3). Southport Season Ticket holders will also be able to gain entry for free.
For those unable to attend, evertonfc.com and the Club’s official Twitter feed will provide updates, with highlights on evertontv on Sunday evening.