Jack Tierney headed a dramatic last-minute winner as Everton Under-18s beat Derby County 1-0 at Finch Farm on Friday evening.

The defender’s last-gasp effort settled a hard-fought battle and helped Leighton Baines’ team secure a first U18 Premier League (North) win of the season.

Tierney converted at the back post following a superb free-kick delivery from fellow substitute Jacob Beaumont-Clark to spark jubilant celebrations among the young Blues players.

Everton Under-18s’ previous two league games of the season had ended in unfortunate 3-2 defeats to Nottingham Forest and Sunderland and the Toffees will be aiming to use the Derby victory as a springboard for their campaign.

Baines’ side return to action next Saturday when Blackburn Rovers visit Finch Farm for another U18 Premier League (North) clash.