Match Report: Boro U21s 2 Everton U21s 2

A stoppage time equaliser denied Boro Under-21s a first win of the new PL2 season.

First half goals from Daniel Nkrumah and Nathan Simpson had put Mark Tinkler's charges on course for victory against Everton, but the visitors hit back to steal a point in a dramatic finale.

There was a healthy crowd for the opening game of the campaign and they witnessed an entertaining clash.

There was plenty of decent football and goalmouth action with Boro enjoying the better of the first half.

Bryant Bilongo was denied by Everton goalkeeper Jack Barrett in the opening minutes and that the tone for a keenly contested encounter.

Everton’s Halid Djankpata shot over the top after a deflected effort from Mackenzie Hunt fell into his path and he also wasted a great chance when he headed a Roman Dixon cross over the top from close range.

Boro keeper Nathan Fisher got down well to smother a Jenson Metcalfe skidder from distance before Barrett was called upon again in the Everton to goal make a good save from Simpson, whose clever work created the opportunity on goal. Moments later, Ben Beals headed over the top from a corner.

The opening goal came after some good build-up play from Boro. Beals played in Bilongo who crossed for Nkrumah to head home from three or four yards out.

And seven minutes later it was 2-0. The lively Simpson showed real class to deliver a strike which left Barrett with no chance.

The visitors pulled a goal back early in the second half when Francis Okoronkwo headed home a corner, but Boro almost responded immediately. Simpson headed on a free-kick, but Max Howells was crowded out as he looked to get a shot in.

Fisher reacted well to save from Matty Aster when the visitors threatened again, and both sides continued to play some nice football.

Everton should really have equalised with just over 20 minutes remaining when Okoronkwo worked himself an opening, but his finish disappeared over the top of the stand.

And just as quickly, it was almost 3-1. Simpson smashed a shot against the upright with the keeper beaten at the near post.

Fisher pulled off another couple of decent saves to deny Everton and there was a late scramble to clear after a visiting corner.

Another ball into the box was hacked off the line by Nkrumah and the inevitable sting in the tail came three minutes into stoppage time when Mackenzie Hunt lashed the ball home from distance to snatch a draw for the visitors.