Everton Under-18s earned a hard-fought point at Newcastle United on Saturday after playing the final 20 minutes of the contest with 10 men.

The Toffees defended resolutely after defender Ed Jones saw red, with the game in the north-east finishing goalless. 

In a cagey start to the match at Newcastle Academy, Emilio Lawrence was Everton’s brightest spark and was at the centre of the Blues’ attacking play.

With just under 10 minutes on the clock, he scurried away down the right-hand side after linking up with Halid Djankpata and squared it for Martin Sherif, whose flicked effort rolled just wide.

Everton thought they had broken the deadlock 35 minutes in, only for a Sherif strike to be ruled out for offside.

The ball was won high up the pitch by Shae Cahill after a high press just outside the Newcastle box. He guided a pass towards Sherif, who tucked the ball past goalkeeper Max Thompson, but Toffees’ celebrations were halted as assistant referee David Mitchell had his flag raised.

In a game of fine margins, Everton threatened after the break when a looping Cahill corner found Sherif at the back post. He cushioned it beautifully across goal but a flurry of Newcastle defenders were there to scramble clear.

Everton continued to probe in search of a breakthrough but the Blues’ task was made all the more difficult when defender Jones was sent off for a foul on Kyle Crossley.

And the home team almost capitalised on their one-man advantage on 75 minutes.

Half-time substitute Ellis Stanton floated a cross to the back post and striker Crossley headed across goal to James Huntley – Toffees keeper Jak Stewart got a vital left hand to the ball to swipe it away, however, leaving Huntley no time to adjust his feet to convert the rebound.

The Blues defended with resolve and determination and held out to secure a valuable point.

Everton are back in the north-east next Saturday, with the Blues set to travel to Sunderland for another U18 Premier League clash.