Everton Under-21s' unbeaten Premier League 2 start came to a close as the hosts were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Haig Avenue on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Josh Brooking and Cesare Casadei saw the young Toffees beaten in a hard-fought clashg.
Everton started brightly, with Issac Price having the first chance of the game after a smart corner routine fell to him in the box, his effort was held comfortably by Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
Tom Cannon was next to have an effort on goal after Francis Okoronkwo intercepted a loose pass from Sharman-Lowe and played through the Everton number nine, however, he could only force a good save from the Chelsea keeper.
It was Cannon again who could have put Everton in the lead as he latched onto Joe Anderson’s lofted through ball, but his effort went over the bar.
Chelsea fashioned their first chance of the game when Zak Sturge made strong run down the left of the 18-yard box and crossed for Mason Burstow, who could only steer wide.
Everton looked to get back on top and could have taken the lead through captain Mackenzie Hunt, as another clever set-piece culminated in his volleying just wide.
Price - who was a standout all afternoon - created a good chance for Charlie Whitaker when he pinched the ball back for his side and played a delicate pass over the top of the Chelsea back four, with Whitaker's effort going narrowly over the crossbar.
After dominating the first half, Everton were dealt a shock blow a minute after the interval as the visitors took the lead.
Brooking was able to tap the ball home from close range after another driving run from Sturge down the left wing.
The London side doubled their lead two minutes later as Casadei drilled in from inside the area after a cross from the right side fell to the number eight.
Everton fought hard to get back into the contest, but Chelsea’s defence held strong as they saw the game out.
