Seamus Coleman completed his first 90 minutes of the season as a strong Everton Under-21s side began their Premier League International Cup campaign with a victory over Athletic Club Under-21s at Walton Hall Park on Wednesday evening.

In what was a closely fought encounter from start to finish, Lewis Dobbin scored the only goal shortly before half-time with a neat finish from just outside the box.

Along with Coleman, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey also featured in the backline for the young Blues.

Everton started the match positively when Halid Djankpata’s pass found Francis Okoronkwo, who tested Oier Gatesi with a powerful strike on three minutes. 

Athletic Club almost broke the deadlock on 10 minutes when Quicala Bari connected with Ibai Asensio’s corner, drawing a reflex save out of Billy Crellin in the Toffees goal.

Bari continued to ask questions, cutting inside on the 20-minute mark before releasing a left-footed shot into the hands of Crellin.

Both teams struggled to take control of the opening exchanges with few chances either way until Sean McAllister’s layoff found Dobbin, who put the home side one up just before half-time with a collected finish down to the goalkeeper's left.

The goalscorer went close shortly after the break, cutting in from the left flank with some silky footwork before shooting just wide.

The game continued to be scrappy before the visitors had a flurry of chances on the hour mark, met by a solid Everton defensive line who managed to clear.

On 63 minutes, Jenson Metcalfe whipped a free-kick towards goal which was comfortably saved by Gastesi, another warning for the away side who struggled to produce anything of substance in the final third during the first hour.

However, the visitors grew into the half and should have had an equaliser shortly after when Aimar Dunabeitia met a floated corner kick before heading straight at an onrushing Crellin. The 23-year-old was called into action just minutes later, parrying a speculative shot down with ease.

The young Toffees are back in action at Walton Hall Park next Tuesday (7pm GMT), taking on AS Monaco Under-21s.