A second-half strike from substitute Martin Sherif proved the difference as Everton Under-18s secured a richly-deserved 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday afternoon.
A brilliant team performance at Rovers’ Brockhall Training Ground saw the young Blues close the gap on their third-placed opponents to six points in the Premier League Under-18s North table.
Everton started brightly and Halid Djankpata was gifted with an early opportunity after a misplaced pass from Blackburn goalkeeper Felix Goddard. The midfielder, however, was unable to convert his chipped effort from 20-yards out.
Paul Tait's side came close to breaking the deadlock on 40 minutes, when an Owen Barker corner fell to Emilio Lawrence on the edge of the box – but the midfielder's sweetly-struck volley fizzed inches over the crossbar.
The Toffees began the second half with the same intent as the first and threatened again minutes after the restart through substitute Sherif.
Matthew Apter and Isaac Heath combined well to release Sherif through on goal, but the striker's shot was excellently blocked by Blackburn defender Patrick Gamble.
Sherif would not have to wait much longer for his goal, though.
Troy Smickle-James' shot produced a fine save from goalkeeper Goddard, but Sherif displayed excellent instincts to convert the rebound and edge Everton ahead.
Blackburn looked to respond and increased the tempo of their build-up play following the opener.
Dylan Graham in the Everton net was forced into a smart save when Rovers winger Jay Haddow burst down the right flank and Charlie Weston struck a goal-bound shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Blackburn's momentum grew further in the closing stages and the hosts thought they had an equaliser when George Chmiel connected with a corner. Fortunately for the Blues, Heath was alert to the danger and reacted superbly to clear the effort off the line and seal an impressive victory.
Everton Under-18s are back in action on Saturday 9 April, when they hit the road again to face Wolves.
