Everton Under-21s fell to a 2-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in Premier League 2 at Finch Farm on Friday afternoon.

Tyler Roberts’ brace secured the points for James Collins’ side as the Blues’ three-game winning streak came to an end on home soil.

The talisman’s couple of close-range finishes either side of half-time made the difference on Merseyside in a physical encounter.

Head Coach Paul Tait made three changes to the side that dramatically beat Leicester City 4-3 last time out. Fraser Barnsley started in goal as Roman Dixon and Halid Djankpata came into the starting XI.

The visitors broke the deadlock with 10 minutes on the clock as Roberts tapped in from close-range. Harvey Griffiths' turn on the half-way line allowed Wolves to counter, with the skipper playing it to Marvin Kaleta down the right flank. The full-back beat Dixon in a foot race before firing an effort at goal that was partially saved by Barnsley. The rebound fell fortunately for the forward, who converted from point-blank range.

The Midlands outfit threatened again on 17 minutes as Barnsley palmed away a powerful effort from the lively Roberts.

Katia Kouyate came close in the 28th minute but slipped whilst pulling the trigger. The 20-year-old held off his marker and rounded the keeper. Faced with an empty net, the forward lost his footing when setting his sights and could only release a tame effort that rolled across the box.

The Toffees hit the crossbar on the stroke of half-time as Jenson Metcalfe’s corner was swept goalward by the high winds. The ball rebounded off the woodwork and fell to Kouyate, who saw his volleyed effort blocked.

Roberts was inches away from doubling his tally five minutes after the break as his curling effort narrowly missed the target. Found on the edge of the box, the Jamaican opened up his body before wrapping his foot around the ball and slenderly missing the far corner.

Roberts completed a brace in the 66th minute, tapping in from a yard out to extend Wolves’ advantage. The 20-year-old latched on to a long ball that sailed over the head of Reece Welch before squaring to Tom Edozie when faced with Barnsley. Welch recovered well to block the effort off the line, but a stroke of luck saw the ball drop to the feet of Roberts, who was on hand to convert once more.

Up next for the young Blues is a trip to the capital to face Crystal Palace on Monday 8 April.

By Ross Hughes