Goals from Youssef Chermiti and Sean McAllister helped Everton Under-21s to a 2-1 win in the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday evening. The three points propel the young Blues into the knockout stages of the competition.

Paul Tait made six changes from the 0-0 against Feyenoord last time out. Lewis Dobbin, Ashley Young and Chermiti were among the starting line-up in a strong Everton side at Walton Hall Park.

The first action occurred after seven minutes when Dobbin received a Benfica clearance before looping a shot inches above the crossbar.

However, it was the away side who took the lead on 21 minutes. Following a smart move, the ball found Hugo Sequeira on the edge of the box, whose curling shot nestled into the net.

Everton counter-attacked soon after but McAllister’s low drive whistled past Leobrian Kokubo’s post.

The young Blues threatened again on the half-hour mark when Jenson Metcalfe’s diagonal ball found McAllister in space but he skewed his shot wide.

Tait’s side had their reply on 36 minutes with Dobbin’s tricky run ending in a parried shot falling to McAllister, who made no mistake.

The home side threatened again moments later. Mackenzie Hunt let fly from range drawing a save from the Benfica keeper.

Everton managed to take the lead on 40 minutes through Chermiti, who did well to anticipate before capitalising on Adrian Bajrami’s mistimed back pass.

The home side had the chance to go two ahead when Dobbin drew a foul, winning a penalty on 42 minutes, but the 21-year-old could not find the target from the spot.

The Eagles created the first chance of the second half, Billy Crellin managed to tip Zan Jevsenak’s shot over for a corner which was cleared.

Everton went close on 68 minutes when Metcalfe's inswinging free-kick found the head of Reece Welch, who could not keep his header down.

The Portuguese outfit tested Crellin shortly after with Francisco Domingues firing a powerful shot from 20 yards. 

The away side could have had an equaliser on 82 minutes, but Gustavo Marques ballooned Lenny Lacroix’s cushioned header over from close range.

Chermiti almost had his brace moments later from a slick Everton move but a smart save denied his first-time finish.

Next up for the Toffees is Manchester City at The Big Help Stadium on Monday 29 January (7pm GMT).

By Luke Davies