Charlie Whitaker's first-half double and goals after the interval from Sean McAllister and Lewis Warrington saw Everton Under-18s maintain their strong start to the season with a 4-0 victory over Stoke City at USM Finch Farm.

Manager Paul Tait's team, who drew a cut-and-thrust game at Manchester City seven days ago after defeating Blackburn Rovers in their opening fixture, never relinquished control after taking the lead on 19 minutes when Whitaker swept in following Warrington's delivery.

The best early chance nevertheless fell to the visitors, Everton keeper Zan Luk-Leban forced into a smart save from Jack Griffiths.

And Stoke were soon rueing their missed opportunity, a smart ball sent over by Warrington from the right-hand side of the area finding its way to Whitaker [pictured] for a cool finish into the bottom corner.

Boosted by their goal, the home side continued confidently and had a second just five minutes later.

A short corner resulted in a clever low cross into the area, with a deft touch from Whitaker doubling the Blues’ lead and the winger’s tally for the game.

Stoke had their best chance of the game 10 minutes before half-time. Jai Verma fastened onto a stray ball to race through on goal but the forward didn't trouble Leban with his eventual effort..

Everton took charge after the interval and soon stretched their advantage.

A burst and well-timed lay-off from Whitaker allowed McAllister time to shoot and locate the bottom corner for his third goal from three games.

With Everton limiting the Potters to very little in the way of chances, the game was all over by the 72nd minute.

A smart ball into the right channel allowed Tom Cannon to use his pace and trickery to play a perfectly-weighted ball to the onrushing Warrington, who confidently struck into the left corner.

Everton, third in the incipient Under-18 Premier League North table, visit Burnley next week before a two-week halt for the international break.