by Tia Martello

Rocco Lambert's first-half leveller wasn't enough as Everton Under-18s went down 3-1 to Premier League (North) champions Manchester United at Carrington on Saturday.

It was always going to be a tough task for Leighton Baines' side against a United outfit that has tasted just two league defeats all season.

After falling behind to Gabrielle Biancheri's 38th-minute finish from Jayden Kamason's low cross, the young Blues levelled in first-half injury-time when Lambert blasted home. 

Moments later, though, the hosts were back in front through Biancheri and that proved crucial as United wrapped up the win seven minutes from full-time through Malachi Sharpe.

Head coach Baines made several changes to his starting line-up from last week's 1-1 draw at Manchester City, George Pickford back in goal, with Lambert, George Finney, and Kurai Musanhi also returning.

The first attempt of the match came just three minutes in when United's Sharpe went for goal, only to be denied by a neat save from Pickford, pushing the ball to his left around the post.

Everton responded moments later when Callum Bates orchestrated a play that led to Luis Gardner firing in a shot, prompting a strong save from Tom Myles.

Harvey Foster, Aled Thomas and Pickford all helped deal with a flurry of United attacks in what proved to be an even opening half hour.

But United managed to break the deadlock as half-time approached, Biancheri converting a low cross from Jayden Kamason to go 1-0 up.

The Toffees soon made it 1-1, though, Gardner delivering a superb pass to Lambert, who emphatically drove the ball home from 12 yards out, leaving no chance for the goalkeeper.

However, the lead didn’t last for long as right at the stroke of half-time, Biancheri netted his second, slotting a low shot at the near post past Pickford to restore United' advantage.

As the second half got under way, a powerful shot from the home team was skilfully saved by Pickford. Not long after, midfielder Bates executed a neat take and turn, sending a curling shot towards goal that signalled the Blues' increasing momentum in the match.

Baines then opted for a substitution in the 70th minute, bringing Josh van Schoor on for George Finney. United quickly counter-attacked on their right-wing, drawing yet another impressive save from Pickford.

Everton intensified their attack as Joel Catesby made several dynamic runs through the midfield, forcing Manchester United's keeper to save a shot from van Schoor. The hosts responded immediately, pushing the ball back to Pickford who deflected the ball behind for a corner.

Catesby remained a constant threat on the flanks, delivering a precise ball to Gardner whose powerful shot was tipped behind as Everton pressed for an equaliser.

With 10 minutes remaining, United's keeper was tested again, this time by a fierce strike from Foster as the Blues continued their aggressive push which also saw Catesby denied.

Following an injury to Aled Thomas, there was a forced substitution as he was replaced by Kean Wren, and Charlie Stewart made way for Malik Olayiwola. Soon after this, Catesby saw another potential goal denied when his low shot was saved by the keeper as Everton strived to level the score.

Having been in the ascendancy, a defensive mix-up allowed United winger Sharpe to take advantage and seal the contest 3-1.

To their credit, the young Blues continued to seek a way back, van Schoor forcing a save from Myles before Catesby went close again at the near post.

It wasn't to be, though, and Everton Under-18s will now bid to bounce back on Saturday 11 May when they travel to Nottingham Forest (12pm BST).