Everton Under-18s got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Stoke City.
Zane Rattray put the hosts in front inside four minutes, but the young Blues’ response was emphatic, with an own goal and Cody Ebere strike securing a half-time lead and, ultimately, all three points for Leighton Baines’ side.
Everton started with intent and created an early chance when Halid Djankpata found space in the middle of pitch and played in Francis Okoronkwo but the striker miscued his effort off target from an acute angle.
Despite the positive start it was Stoke who hit the front just two minutes later, with Rattray converting a free header at the far post.
But it didn’t take long for Everton to get themselves level.
On 11 minutes, Matthew Apter showed great awareness in midfield to pick out Ebere, who beat the opposing full-back before fizzing a dangerous low cross into the penalty area that was turned in by defender Josh Bickerton for an own goal.
The goal seemed to snap the Toffees into their rhythm, as the momentum swung in their favour.
Okoronkwo forced a smart save with a powerful header, before the crucial blow was struck on the stroke of half-time.
Okoronkwo’s persistent pressing saw him pinch a loose ball before evading a challenge on the halfway line and driving into the space ahead of him towards the Stoke penalty area.
He then found Ebere’s run down the right flank with a slide-rule pass – and the winger made no mistake in calmly slotting into the bottom corner to hand Everton the lead.
Stoke pushed for a leveller after the interval but the Blues’ defence stood firm, restricting the hosts’ main threat to set pieces.
Apter came close to adding a third with ten minutes remaining, but his long-range effort was excellently tipped on to the post by the Stoke goalkeeper.
Then, in the dying embers, Everton goalkeeper Dylan Graham, who had a quiet afternoon overall, was called into action to ensure the win, tipping a low bouncing effort on to the woodwork before reacting quickly to gather the rebound.
Next up for the Under-18s is a league meeting with Blackburn Rovers at Finch Farm on Tuesday 18 October (6pm BST).
