The Lions make their return to Nethermoor in front of spectators on Saturday for the visit of Everton U23’s who play in Premier League 2 division.
Limited tickets are still available for this fixture with purchasing in advance recommended, order yours here.
Managed by David Unsworth Everton U23’s are the only team to have won the Premier League 2 twice since its switch to an U23 division and also name former Toffees John Ebbrell and Leighton Baines among their academy staff.
Marcus Bignot and Russ O’Neill could not have hoped for a better start to pre-season with a 7-0 win over Ilkley Town on Tuesday night before the trip to Yorkshire Amateur on Thursday.
Lebrun Mbeka’s brace and strikes from Jake Day, Andy Kellett, Gerrard Sam and Adam Haw made it a comfortable evening at the MPM Stadium.
Their side returns to Nethermoor in front of spectators for the first time in 497 days since the 3-0 win over Leamington way back in March 2020.
Russ O’Neill will be lining up against his former team having spent a few years with Everton in the early stages of his playing career.
Everton U23’s have also enjoyed a good start to pre-season with a 4-2 victory over Warrington Rylands at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday night.
Striker Lewis Dobbin hit a hat trick after impressing in the Blues’ first team friendly against Accrington Stanley which was also held at their training base.
We look forward to welcoming our own supporters back to Nethermoor and everyone from Everton U23’s as we build up to the 2021/22 season.
A pre-season programme will be available to purchase covering all of our five home friendlies for just £3.
Important information regarding spectators’ return to Nethermoor:
The turnstiles will be open in all three corners of the ground. There is limited parking on site, if travelling by car please use the public car park on Netherfield Road and use the silver foot bridge to cross the railway line, turnstiles 5 & 6 are located near the foot of the stairs.
These matches are the first that we have undertaken with fans for many months, whilst four of the five matches are technically not under COVID regulations please do be mindful of others, try not to encroach on the personal space of each other, be tolerant and enjoy the match.
Please note that cash is accepted at the ground for entry, programmes and catering, there is limited access to contactless payment.
GAFC vs Everton U23’s
COVID Restrictions: In order to follow FA guidelines a Red Zone system will be in operation. There will be specific areas of the ground which will not be accessible to the public.
These include: the annexe of the clubhouse, the covered clubhouse stand, the footpath in front of the covered clubhouse stand, the pitch, tunnel, changing rooms and public first aid room. Only players, staff and match officials are permitted in the Red Zone. All other areas are designated Amber Zones and permitted for public use. It is not possible to walk around the full pitch, your access will be blocked from the rear bar entrance to the tunnel.
Please do not approach any person within the Red Zone and ask for a photograph or autograph or stand within 2m of them.
Access to the bar from the ground will be closed; the bar will be open from the cricket entrance but is table service only, masks must be worn when not seated, including using the toilets.
If using the seats please leave one seat between you and anyone who isn’t part of your group.
The Lions’ Diner will be the only catering outlet operating.
