Ray Just hours after attending school, Robert acknowledges that he was “buzzing” after becoming the first Everton player to score at the team’s brand-new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. In a test match against Wigan Athletic on Monday night, Robert put his name in Everton history by converting a penalty he had won himself two minutes from time.
Ten thousand spectators, including representatives of the club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, witnessed an Everton under-18 team play their Wigan counterparts in the first of three test matches before the team permanently moves from Goodison Park.
The honor of scoring the first goal inside Bramley-Moore Dock, however, went to Harry Rimmer, who put Wigan up after just 12 minutes, even though Robert made history with Everton’s first goal. Rimmer gave a six-finger salute in celebration, maybe alluding to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles. Five minutes later, Cole Simms scored past Seve Patrick to give the visitors a double advantage.
But Everton responded effectively after falling behind, with Kean Wren rattling the woodwork shortly after the hour mark and Braiden Graham striking the post in the first half. Even though Robert’s goal was only a consolation, he will always remember the moment he scored.
He told evertontv after the game, “I was always going to take the penalty.” “I slotted the pen because I knew where I was going to go when I got it. I’m excited because I’ve always wanted to score at the new stadium.
“I wasn’t expecting to be the first goal scorer at the new stadium, but many people were mentioning Braiden (Graham) and Justin (Clarke).” I’m overjoyed. The commotion was amazing.
After spending the day at school, Robert came off the bench in the second half. His manager, Keith Southern, was impressed and remarked, “He can score, he’s bright, he’s still at school.” He had spent the entire day at school today, which most likely helped.
He most likely didn’t give tonight any thought because he was busy performing double math this afternoon!
Thus, there weren’t many nerves. He is fast and we know he can outrun him. He demonstrated a strong belief, which is exactly what I requested. He grabbed the ball and pushed it out of his way. We are so happy for him. In the dressing room, we gave a brief round of applause.”
“There were so many positives tonight: the occasion, coming to this fantastic arena,” Southern added, looking back on the entire experience.
In terms of the club and the optimism and hope for a fresh future, it was a historic occasion.
“We had an under-15 play a few minutes, and many under-16s came on.” Everyone had some playing time, as was always the case, but the outcome nevertheless left some people feeling let down.
“The players have never played in an arena like this before, and they have never played in front of a crowd like that before,” he continued. Therefore, controlling one’s emotions might be challenging.
“I think that within the first 20 minutes, that hurt some people, but not all of them. We were reluctant to go on since we were a little too deep. I think we were a little nervous and uneasy.
“I believed we were better in the second half. Things most likely just didn’t go our way, but there was a brightness, vitality, and freshness about some of the subs that came on.
But listen, it was a great event for these boys, and we’re not overly disappointed. The Academy had a great time, and everyone had a connection to this football team.
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