Everton Under-23s and Manchester United Under-23s played out a goalless draw in the Premier League 2 at Southport on Monday night.
After an opening six minutes that saw Bassala Sambou have three attempts on goal, the first of which was after just 30 seconds, it was a largely uninspiring contest with genuine openings very much at a premium.
Sambou was twice denied by smart saves from goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara, while his third early effort cleared the crossbar.
O’Hara was then well-placed again to safely gather a well-struck drive from Josh Bowler at the end of an excellent passing move from Everton.