Isaac Heath’s second-half strike secured victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at USM Finch Farm to make it back-to-back Premier League North wins for Everton Under-18s.
Right-back Mathew Mallon had given Everton an 11th-minute lead after good work from striker Katia Kouyate in the box, squaring for the defender to tap home from close range.
The young Blues were helpless to prevent Wolves from restoring parity on 24 minutes, however, as forward Tyler Roberts powered home his header after a stunning cross from Ethan McLeod.
Manager Paul Tait’s side were almost back in front just two minutes later, as Kouyate rattled the upright after the ball had broken loose from an Everton free-kick.
Heath (pictured) also came within inches of restoring Everton’s lead in a first half the Blues shaded, the 16-year-old working the ball onto his left foot and firing just wide of the mark.
Equally, Wolves could conceivably have gone into the break ahead but Roberts, dangerous all afternoon, fired over the bar in first-half stoppage time.
Everton came flying out of the traps following the restart, forcing Wolves into mistakes with their pressing, and were rewarded for their positivity when Emilio Lawrence and Heath combined for the latter’s second goal of the season.
The two were a thorn in Wolves boss Steve Davis’ side throughout the game and Lawrence showcased his creativity to cross low for Heath to side foot Everton back in front.
Lawrence almost added a third for the Toffees on 62 minutes, the young Scottish international picking the pocket of Dexter Lembikisa before being denied by goalkeeper Palmi Arinbjornsson.
For the second successive game, Everton defended resolutely to protect a lead and that resilience was illustrated by a heroic block from captain Elijah Campbell to prevent Roberts from getting his second of the match in the 67th minute.
The Blues' organisation and discipline enabled them to see out the closing quarter relatively scare free.
The victory moves Everton up to seventh in the table ahead of a trip to Burnley next weekend.
