Everton Under-21s were held to a goalless draw by Dutch side Feyenoord Under-21s in their final game of 2023 to extend their unbeaten record in this season's Premier League International Cup.

Andre Gomes showcased ongoing progress in his recovery from injury, completing a full 90 minutes on Tuesday night after playing the first half during Friday night's Premier League 2 encounter with West Brom.

With Lewis Dobbin, Mackenzie Hunt and Jenson Metcalfe all selected to participate in the Men's Senior Team's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham at Goodison Park, it was a frenetic start at Southport's Big Help Stadium, with both goalkeepers called into action within the first 10 minutes.

Gomes came close to giving his team with the lead, making the most of the strong winds to deliver a corner that swirled menacingly above the goalline and looked set to curl into the back post, only for the Feyenoord keeper to get a touch.

Moments later, Billy Crellin denied the visitors an early lead with a determined block from close range after a Feyenoord cross wasn't cleared.

Everton dominated the ball in the opening 25 minutes, dictating play and continuously seeking to be on the front foot.

The young Toffees looked to breach the Dutch side's stubborn defence through early crosses and second ball recovery, giving the visitors slight chance to clear their lines.

Despite dictating the tempo, Feyenoord restricted Everton's opportunities, content to maintain a solid defensive block and make the most of counter-attacks.

Executing this strategy, the Dutch side nearly caught Everton off guard if not for the vigilance of Roman Dixon.

With just the full-back left to prevent a potentially perilous one-on-one situation, Dixon selflessly sacrificed himself to intervene, thwarting the threat with a professional foul to take a yellow card.

Feyenoord opted for a more direct approach to test the Toffees and came close to breaking the deadlock after 50 minutes.

A swift and potent counter down the left wing created room for a sharply delivered cross. Crellin's attempt to clear the ball only diverted it into the path of an advancing forward before Kyle John stepped in with a crucial clearance.

On the hour mark, Crellin found himself making yet another pivotal save following a sequence of fortunate bounces that directed the ball towards goal. Despite the Feyenoord striker's attempt, the onrushing Everton keeper denied him, deflecting the ball behind for a corner and keeping his side level once more.

Head Coach Paul Tait sought to inject a fresh attacking impetus into the game with a double substitution as 25 minutes remained. Jacob Beaumont-Clark and Harrison Armstrong were brought on to replace Callum Bates and Issac Heath, aiming to provide the Toffees with a renewed offensive approach.

Beaumont-Clark crafted Everton's most promising opportunity in the second half, receiving a pass on the right-wing from Sean McAllister. The substitute manoeuvred inside and unleashed a curling shot towards the keeper, just lacking enough whip to beat him at the far post.

Just minutes later Gomes assumed the role of the provider for Beaumont-Clark, locating the winger outside the penalty area. Opting to take on his marker along the touchline this time, Beaumont-Clark skilfully generated enough room for a shot, but unfortunately his effort went over the crossbar.

Looking to the bench again, Tait sent on Matthew Apter to replace George Morgan as Everton looked to find a winning goal inside the final 10 minutes, but the contest ended goalless with the young Blues now having seven points from their three matches so far in the competition.

Reflecting on the draw with evertonfc.com, Tait said: "It was a good game. They were very good on the counter, but we had a lot of good possession. The only shame was that we couldn't threaten the goal more. Our final third play was lacking a bit of quality. Overall, though, it was a good competitive game. 

"We enjoy this tournament, the players certainly enjoy it. It's a case of coming up against different styles when you play these European sides. They come and play in a different way, so it's a chance to come up against something new." 

 Everton Under-21s will now look ahead to the first game of 2024 when they travel to Leeds United on Monday 15 January.