Josh Bowler says hitting the winning goal in Everton Under-23s' title-clinching victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday night was his “best moment in football”.

The winger’s pinpoint 20-yard finish midway through the first half proved the difference between the teams, as the Toffees wrapped up a second Premier League 2 triumph in three years.

Anything less than maximum points against the second-placed Seagulls would have seen the title race decided on the final day of the season.

Bowler, who joined Everton from Queens Park Rangers in 2017, revealed the team’s unwavering belief they would finish the job at Goodison Park on Monday.

“It’s the best group I’ve been with and I had no doubts coming into this game that we’d win it, because we’ve got such a great mentality and such quality in our team" he added.

"It's the best feeling I've had in football.

“All of us thrive under the pressure. I knew we wouldn’t back down and we would bring our A-games.”

Reflecting on his goal, the 20-year-old explained how the Everton coaching staff had an important influence in his thought process ahead of pulling the trigger from the edge of the penalty box.

Bowler had navigated into a shooting position having collected the ball 35 yards out, before bolting forward with typical pace and power.

“I probably haven't scored enough this season but that’s what I hope I’m all about,” he added. "I just remember the ball dropping to me and driving at their defence.

“All week Unsy and Kells [goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly] have been telling me to curl my shots, because usually I lash it.

“I just had it in my head to curl it back post. Then I remember the celebrations – it was just incredible.”