Everton Under-18s manager Paul Tait said his team produced their “best football of the season” after the young Blues came from behind to triumph 4-1 at Stoke City on Tuesday night.

Having fallen behind to Emre Tezgel’s goal midway through the first half, Jenson Metcalfe got Everton back on level terms on 68 minutes.

His strike was the first of four goals in a stunning 10-minute spell from the Toffees. Substitute Tom Cannon – who was introduced on the hour-mark – put Everton ahead before Luke Butterfield doubled the Blues' advantage.

Cannon then completed his brace 12 minutes from time to wrap up a stirring victory for Everton, who are next in action against West Bromwich Albion in an FA Youth Cup quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.

Manager Tait expressed his pride after his team’s electric second-half display at Stoke.

“The lads were brilliant,” he told evertonfc.com. “We had a very young team out and we’re delighted with them.

“We started well but we let Stoke get into the game and we gave a goal away in the first half.

“The lads showed great spirit and fight to come back.

“We made a couple of changes on the hour. We rested Tom Cannon and Sean McAllister and we brought them on – and they helped change the game

“After that, we were absolutely fantastic. It was probably the best football we’ve played this season.”

The win lifts Everton up to sixth in the U18 Premier League (North) table.

The young Blues' attention now turns to the FA Youth Cup and that last-eight showdown against West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Everton reached the quarter-finals of the competition with a dramatic 2-1 win over Chelsea – winners of the cup in seven of the past 11 years – last week.

Tait added: “Winning again [against Stoke] keeps the momentum and confidence high.

“It’s good that the younger lads who are in and around the team took inspiration from the lads with the cup run.

“For them to produce a performance like that in the second half, we’re delighted.”