Everton Under-18s produced a stunning comeback to keep their title hopes alive with a 4-3 victory over West Ham United at Finch Farm.
The young Blues found themselves 2-0 down after just 21 minutes as both Daniel Kemp and Anthony Scully capitalised on mistakes to give the Hammers full control of the contest.
But Shayne Lavery netted on the half-hour mark before Nathan Broadhead pulled Kevin Sheedy’s side level just seconds before the break.
Broadhead then scored from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half but a Callum Lees own goal levelled the game once again on 65 minutes.
The game showed no signs of slowing down as both sides searched for a winner and it would be the Blues that would find that crucial goal as Lavery slammed home his second of the game to clinch an all-important three points.
Everton Under-18s headed into their game with West Ham knowing only a win would keep their title dreams alive but those hopes had been dented after an opening 21 minutes to forget.
Winger Kemp picked up a loose ball deep in Everton’s half and curled the ball past Ciaran O’Loughlin on six minutes, before a mix up allowed Scully to round the keeper and double their advantage.
The Blues had to find a way back into the game quickly and they did that just that 10 minutes later as right-back Yates drilled in a low cross for Lavery, who was on hand at the back post to prod home.
It was now all Everton and their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser just seconds before the break as Lavery turned provider for Broadhead who fired low past United keeper Nathan Trott.
Everton couldn’t afford to start the second half in the same fashion as the first - and they didn’t.
Defender Yates raced into the box before being fouled by a West Ham defender and the referee pointed straight to the spot – despite shouts from the West Ham coaching staff claiming the foul was outside the area.
Broadhead stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way to net his 16th goal of the campaign and give the Toffees the lead for the first time in this entertaining affair.
However, that joy of taking the lead would be short lived as a dangerous free-kick from United midfielder Scully was headed into his own net by Blues centre-half Lees.
Still, the game continued at a fast pace as both sides pushed for the next goal and Lavery nearly nodded the Toffees ahead once again but his glancing header went just wide.
But it wouldn’t be long before the striker was finding the net once again.
Broadhead and Nathan Holland worked it well down the right-hand side before the latter found Lavery who took one touch and smashed home to clinch a hard-fought win.
Next up for the young Blues is the visit of league leaders Manchester City on Tuesday evening - and Academy Coach Sheedy believes the pressure will be on the visitors.
“We were the better team today and we deserved to win. I couldn’t fault the efforts of my players,” Sheedy told evertonfc.com
“I mentioned to the lads the other day that a couple of years ago when we won the league, it was in Liverpool’s hands and they drew their last game so there is that little bit of added pressure on.
“If they win, they win, but if they don’t, we are in a position if they do slip up to capitalise on it.”
Everton starting XI: O’Loughlin, Yates, Harrington, Denny, Lees, Yarney, Morris, Kiersey (C), Lavery, Holland, Broadhead.
Substitutes: Johnson, Myers, Mellen, Virtanen, Mampala.
West Ham starting XI: Trott, Sylvestre, Neufville, Henry, Akinola, Eggleton, Scully, Johnson, Ford, Powell, Kemp.
Substitutes: Hannam, Matrevics, Longelo-Mbule, Hamilton, Wels.
