Everton u23 1-1 Chelsea (plus highlights)

Harry Charsley’s excellent finish earned Everton Under-23s a hard-fought point against Chelsea at Southport.

The Academy graduate netted four minutes before half-time, rounding off a well-worked move with a precise left-footed curler into the top corner.

His strike cancelled out the visitors’ early opener, scored by Dujon Sterling who beat Mateusz Hewelt at his near post with a forceful, accurate drive in the fifth minute.

After Chelsea’s quick breakthrough, the Toffees grew into the first half as it progressed and could have twice levelled the scores through the lively Kieran Dowell, who steered two half-chances over the bar.

With striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin relishing his tussle with France international defender Kurt Zouma and Liam Walsh the midfield driving force, Everton constantly had purpose to their play.

David Unsworth’s side deservedly got back level moments before the break when David Henen flicked the ball forward and Charsley guided his finish into the top corner of the net from 15 yards out.

Following the restart it was more of the same, with the two teams locked in a tight, tenacious duel.

Henen fired over from a promising position and, not too long after, Everton suffered the setback of losing Walsh through a leg injury after a nasty-looking collision with teammate Charsley.

There was a chance for Jonjoe Kenny to win the game late on but the defender stabbed over from close-range.