Everton Under-21s began their EFL Trophy campaign with a 2-0 away defeat to Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The young Blues, who finished the match with six scholars on the pitch, matched their senior opponents for large periods of the encounter and enjoyed particularly promising spells either side of the half-time interval.
But Louie Marsh's deflected opener just before the hour mark turned the game in favour of the hosts and Harrison Biggins netted with nine minutes remaining to seal victory for the League Two side.
Speaking to evertonfc.com afterwards, Head Coach Paul Tait said he was "proud" of the overall performance from his team and singled out goalkeeper Billy Crellin and Mackenzie Hunt, who was deployed as a centre-back, for their strong individual displays.
“We were delighted with some of the play in the game and some of the resolute defending," said Tait.
"For the last fifteen minutes of the first half we had some control and created some half chances and some good chances.
"That gave the lads a bit of belief and I thought we started the second half well but then we started turning the ball over too often and giving it away too often – under pressure from them to be fair.
"The first goal changed the game. It knocked the stuffing out of us and it was a lucky little ricochet.
"I’m proud of the players. We don’t want to lose games and we wanted points tonight in this tournament but we had six scholars on the pitch at the end of the game whereas they had experienced players on their bench who they could rest and then bring on.
"It’s a great learning experience for us and we’re looking forward to our next group game against Burton Albion."
On Crellin and Hunt, Tait added: "Billy was excellent in goal. He was our most experienced player and that showed tonight when we needed him.
“Macca [Hunt] was also excellent and he showed his versatility going in at centre-back. He was really good in possession."
