Stockport County's Braiden Graham Closes in on Everton Chance
Stockport County's Braiden Graham did his first-team chances no harm in Everton Under-21s' 6-3 defeat to Stockport County. The young Blues faced the League One side in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday, and Graham's heroics got them level after being 3-0 down at half-time.
What Happened?
Graham started his exploits with an assist, before adding two goals to get his side back into the clash. He set up Joel Catesby with a clever cross, before converting from the penalty spot after Melvin Matos was brought down. The 18-year-old saved the best until last, though, as he curled a brilliant effort into the net from the edge of the box in the 77th minute.
Why it Matters for Stockport County
Graham's performance against senior players bodes well for his future on Merseyside. He has shown that he can turn up and perform against Football League opposition, which is a crucial step in his development as a player.
What Comes Next?
Graham is yet to make his senior debut, despite all the hype that he has gathered from the academy. Moyes has raised concerns about his physicality when asked about the calls to include him in his plans, with the likes of Beto and Thierno Barry underperforming. The obvious move seems like a loan to the third tier or League Two, so that he can learn the rigours of the professional game and come back as a better player.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in League One, 77 pts, 22W-11D-13L from 46 games, recent form WLWLD. Goals this season: 71 scored, 58 conceded (+13 goal difference). Title race: 26 points behind leaders Lincoln. Last result: Bolton 4-1 Stockport County (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Leicester (at home, 2026-09-12).
Stockport County's Braiden Graham has impressed in Everton Under-21s' defeat to Stockport County, closing in on a breakthrough for the senior side. His performance against senior players bodes well for his future on Merseyside, and he has shown that he can turn up and perform against Football League opposition.
