Wigan youngster Harrison Rimmer made history at Everton’s brand new stadium – before making his Merseyside allegiances clear to those in attendance.
Everton took another step on their way to a new era with the first test event at their new stunning £750m stadium on Bramley Moore Dock.
The Toffees’ Under-18s lost out to Wigan in the first ever game played at the impressive venue on the revamped site. Around 10,000 supporters were inside for the first of three test events at the new stadium which will be fully open for next season.
The new 52,888-seater stadium has been under construction since 2021 and was finished on Christmas Eve. The Blues have had the keys since and have been fitting out behind the scenes areas to be ready for the new season when they move from Goodison Park.
But the South Stand in the new ground was open to the public last night for the first time and it was an impressive sight. Everton hope the new stadium will take the club to a new level with increased revenue from the state-of-the-art ground.
The steep 14,000-seater stand got a test run with kiosks open on the concourse with eager supporters snapping up new products including Everton branded Toffee doughnuts.
But their U18s got themselves in a sticky situation on the pitch as Wigan midfielder Rimmer got the first ever goal at the new stadium with an early opener.
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The Latics teenager then ruffled feathers by celebrating with six fingers up to the crowd, potentially pointing out Liverpool ’s six European Cups. Cole Simms added a second soon after for Wigan and he celebrated by kicking over the corner flag.
Ray Robert made his own history by becoming the first Everton player to score at the stadium when the 16 year old fired in a late penalty but there was no equaliser.
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