Stoke City beats Everton 1-0 in pre‑season friendly

On July 28, 2026, Stoke City defeated Everton 1‑0 in a pre‑season friendly held at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke‑on‑Trent. The only goal came in the 59th minute when 19‑year‑old Irish midfielder Gabriel Kelly intercepted a pass, cut inside and fired a long‑range strike into the bottom right corner.

Everton made a number of changes at the break, including the debut of recent signing Hayden Hackney, who partnered Harrison Armstrong in central midfield before being substituted at half‑time. The hosts also swapped all eleven players for the second half, with Freddie Anderson and Ruben Curley appearing at full‑back.

The match marked Everton's third pre‑season friendly, featuring several young prospects from both sides, while Stoke's line‑up adjustments helped them maintain the lead to the final whistle.