Nine-man Everton Under-18s were beaten 4-2 by Blackburn Rovers in an incident-packed U18 Premier League clash at Finch Farm on Tuesday evening.
Toffees striker Martin Sherif equalised almost immediately after Harley O'Grady-Macken’s 10th-minute opener.
The away side restored their lead through Dominik Biniek’s penalty but Everton swiftly responded again, with Coby Ebere netting from the spot on 20 minutes.
The game swung back Blackburn’s way when Sherif was sent off on 34 minutes and Everton went down to nine players when Daniel Maher saw red shortly after the hour mark.
Everton battled hard but Rovers made their numerical advantage pay when O'Grady-Macken scored his second goal of the game 13 minutes from time.
Rovers midfielder Adam Caddick completed the scoring late in the piece.
Leighton Baines' side return to action on Saturday when Newcastle United visit Finch Farm (12.30pm BST)