The Toffees condemned the Academy outfit to their first defeat of the season and the manager pinpointed Anthony Gordon’s leveller – to make it 2-2 – just before the break as the decisive moment in the match.
That goal was the platform for the home side to accelerate into a 5-2 lead in the second half, before Reece Devine pulled one back and Taylor believes Gordon’s strike knocked his players’ confidence.
“I said at half time 2-2 was probably a fair reflection,” explained the U18s boss.
“We were excellent in periods in the first half and we worked tremendously hard to get back into it. Then in last minute we conceded a goal which was avoidable.
“That was a telling shift in the game. They were disappointed and I tried to build them up and focus on the positives, but you could see they were disappointed.”
With the likes of Rabbi Matondo called into Simon Davies’ EDS squad, Taylor selected a young side including Tommy Doyle, who only recently turned 16.
Giving away a couple of years’ experience to the home team, the manager felt there were positives to take from the performance, despite losing their 100% record.
“I was pleased with a lot of aspects of the game,” he explained.
“Only three second year scholars started and we had four U16s with us. The rest were first years so we gave quite a bit away in that respect.
“But we got the challenge we want for these players. I prefer that for their development, even though it hurts to get beat, especially by that margin.
“I thought it was a bit closer than that.”
Taylor also drew positives from Keke Simmonds’ forward play. The youngster grabbed a first half brace as City showed great resolve to fight back from Everton’s first minute opener.
“There were some good passages of play from Keke,” added the Blues’ former striker.
“We’ve been pushing him to do more, whether that’s out wide or as a No.9 and to take his opportunities when he gets them.
“I was pleased with him, not just for his goals, but because he worked hard in horrible conditions against two big centre-halves.”
