Everton Under-23s fell to a 3-0 home defeat to Peterborough United in a Premier League Cup Group D clash on Wednesday night.

Everton were left with a mountain to climb after falling two goals down during the first half at Southport FC’s Pure Stadium.

Josh Taylor’s close-range effort opened the scoring for Peterborough and the away side doubled their advantage before the break through Kwame Poku’s clinical finish.

Everton pressed in the second half as they tried to find a way back into the game but were unable to make the breakthrough.

And Peterborough made the game safe when the impressive Poku slotted in his second goal of the game.

The result means Everton have three points from their three matches in Premier League Cup Group D. The Blues will aim to reignite their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition when they travel to group leaders Peterborough on Friday 17 December.

Everton Under-23s’ attention now returns to Premier League 2, with David Unsworth’s side set to host Arsenal at Southport FC on Monday (7pm GMT).