Everton Under-23s were left frustrated in their final outing in the Premier League Cup group stage after Burnley picked up all three points in a 2-1 win in Leyland.

Lewis Dobbin scored the opener for the young Blues before Bobby Thomas and Joe McGlynn netted to deny David Unsworth's side points in group D.

It was a closely-fought contest across the 90 minutes, with both sides having chances in front of goal but struggling to convert.

Everton, who featured Jean-Philippe Gbamin in midfield, defended the first half well and looked to mount pressure on the break.

Midfielder Rhys Hughes came close to scoring the opener with a great free-kick from the edge of the box that rattled off the post.

Half an hour into Friday night's match, the Blues found their opener.

After a darting run from the left side, Dobbin cut inside superbly and produced a finish to match as the ball arrived in the bottom right corner.

Defensively, the visitors did well to deny the hosts back into the match, with January signing Billy Crellin in the Everton net called upon with some fine saves.

The 21-year-old was faced with one-on-one scenarios with both Ashley Barnes and Lewis Richardson, denying both a sniff at goal in the opening stages.

Despite the Blues' impressive start, they were dealt a tough blow as Burnley equalised on the stroke of half-time. 

Defender Owen Dodgson played the ball into the box as it was met with the header from Thomas whose finish hit the back of the net. 

The second half was a far more tense affair than the initial 45 minutes, with both sides pursuing that decisive winner. 

Dobbin continued to be a threat leading the Everton line, with the Burnley defence struggling to match his pace.

Strike partner Tom Cannon helped to expose areas for the Blues attack, with Hughes and Isaac Price supplying quality balls into the final third for the pair to chase.

The travelling Toffees thought they had their winner after 75 minutes.

Following a corner the ball fell to Joseph Anderson at the back post, however, it was a difficult angle for the midfielder to shoot towards the Burnley net as his effort went narrowly wide of the post.

There was a shout for a red card in the final stages, as Dobbin was brought down outside the area by Richard Nartey, the referee signalling for play to continue.

With minutes to go, Burnley caused Everton heartbreak with a late winner.

McGlynn was on the end of a ball over the top and slotted past Crellin to secure maximum points for the hosts.

Everton remain top of their Premier League Cup group. However, results in Peterborough and Sheffield United's final matches will decide if the Blues reach the knockout phase.