Everton Under-18s fell to 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United at USM Finch Farm in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.

Blues skipper Lewis Warrington got on the scoresheet – the midfielder equalising on 20 minutes following Josh Gilchrist’s opener for the Magpies – but the away side regained the lead through Dylan Stephenson just before half-time.

Newcastle substitutes Jay Turner-Cook and Jamie Miley then added two late goals for the away side.

In what was a lively first half, Everton were quick to set the tempo during the opening exchanges.

Applying pressure well, the home side forced a number of mistakes from Newcastle but failed to capitalise.

It was the Magpies who struck first, however. In what was the first real chance of the game for the visitors, a deflected shot fell to the feet of Gilchrist who finished superbly with an outside-of-the-foot effort.

The Blues mustered a response just eight minutes later.

Warrington played a neat one-two with Tom Cannon before bursting into the box and displaying fantastic ball control before curling the ball into the far-right corner.

Newcastle gradually grew into the contest and they went ahead again on 41 minutes. A low cross from winger Joe Oliver was tucked away tidily by Stephenson.

The second half was a much tighter affair, with chances at a premium.

The hosts’ best opportunity fell to Cannon on 73 minutes. A fine low cross from left-back Daniel Lowey fell to the feet of the forward, who sliced his effort over the bar.

Newcastle made the points safe on 83 minutes.

A long ball up field was flicked on by Stephenson, sending substitute Turner-Cook through on goal,  and he slotted into the far corner.

Newcastle rounded off the scoring in the final minute through Miley’s composed finish.

Everton Under-18s return to action on the Saturday 20 February when they travel to Leeds United.