Everton Under-18s manager Paul Tait praised his team’s “different class” second-half performance after they beat West Bromwich Albion 7-3 in a thrilling encounter at USM Finch Farm.
The young Blues delivered an impressive exhibition of attacking football on Saturday to maintain their 100 per cent record in U18 Premier League (North).
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West Brom got off to a flying start, racing into a two-goal lead within the opening seven minutes.
Everton rallied and were back on terms by half-time, Tom Cannon and Tyler Onyango on target for Tait’s team.
The second half saw Everton overwhelm the Midlands side, with the young Blues showcasing their collective skill, invention and ruthlessness in front of goal.
Lewis Dobbin struck 12 minutes after the break, before quickfire efforts from Cannon and Sebastian Quirk put the Blues 5-2 ahead.
Rhys Hughes added a sixth late in the piece, and although the Baggies hit a late consolation, the clinical Dobbin completed his brace in stoppage time to wrap up a resounding Everton success.
“In the second-half, we were different class,” Tait said. “It was a really exciting attacking performance.
“We didn’t start well and we gave ourselves a bit of a hill to climb.
“It was a real challenge. We got it back to 2-2 before half-time but we were still wide open at times in our defensive transition.
"We talked about that at half-time, and talked about the challenge of starting the second half better, getting on the front foot and bossing the game.
“After the break, everything we asked for, the lads produced. It was very pleasing."
The Toffees have won their opening two matches of the league campaign, having beaten reigning champions Derby County 2-1 a fortnight ago.
The young Blues also impressed at the prestigious Otten Cup recently, finishing third in the tournament which was held in Eindhoven over the weekend of 17 August.
The competition featured European heavyweights such as Barcelona, Inter Milan and hosts PSV Eindhoven.
“The lads who went to the Otten Cup did fantastically well for the club,” Tait added.
“They represented Everton with distinction.
“We’ve began the league season well, too. There is still lots to improve on, but it’s been a positive start.”
