Stockport County 6-3 Everton U21 — English Football League Trophy
August 19, 2026 | 02:00

Stockport County produced a remarkable attacking display to beat Everton U21 6-3 in a pulsating English Football League Trophy tie. The match was a festival of goals, with both sides exchanging blows before the hosts finally pulled clear in a breathless second half.

Goal fest from the first whistle

The game exploded into life inside the opening ten minutes. Stockport took the lead through a well-placed finish from Callum Yates, only for Everton U21 to respond almost immediately through a header from James Whitfield. The pattern was set: open, chaotic, and thoroughly entertaining.

Stockport then hit a purple patch, scoring three times in a devastating 20-minute spell. Ollie Bradshaw bagged a brace, and Sam Redfern added another as the home side raced into a 4-1 lead. Everton U21 showed spirit to pull one back before the break, leaving the score at 4-2 at halftime.

Everton U21 fight back – but Stockport respond

Everton’s young side came out with renewed belief after the interval and cut the deficit to 4-3 with a stunning strike from Archie Milner. The momentum appeared to be shifting. But Stockport had other ideas, and within ten minutes they had restored their two-goal cushion courtesy of a composed finish from Josh Hendry.

With Everton pushing forward in search of another goal, Stockport sealed the victory in the closing stages. Bradshaw completed his hat-trick with a simple tap-in after yet another rapid counter-attack, putting the seal on a 6-3 scoreline that left the home crowd thoroughly entertained.

Star performers

• Ollie Bradshaw (Stockport) – A clinical hat-trick and a constant menace to the Everton defence.
• Sam Redfern (Stockport) – Scored once and provided two assists with clever, direct running.
• Archie Milner (Everton U21) – The highlight of Everton’s youthful side, scoring a spectacular long-range effort.

What it means

Stockport County progress in the English Football League Trophy with a dominant statement of intent. For Everton U21, the defeat provides valuable experience for their academy prospects, though they will be disappointed at conceding six. The match underlined the trophy’s reputation as a competition where young players face senior opposition and are tested defensively.