Everton Under-21s suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United on Monday evening.
First-half strikes from James Weir and James Wilson put the young Blues to the sword in a period of the game where the hosts were on top, before Jesse Lingard converted 10 minutes into the second period.
Calum Dyson pulled one back on 78 minutes to ensure a pulsating end to procedings, but further goals failed to materialise.
The Toffees headed to Leigh Sports Village on the back of impressive wins against Tottenham and Preston in cup competitions, but were looking to build on a run of three draws in the league.
Given the first-team’s involvement at Swansea two days prior and Reading 24 hours later, David Unsworth’s squad was understandably shuffled.
Tyias Browning, Mason Holgate and Leandro Rodriguez weren’t in the team – with Roberto Martinez already confirming the latter would be in the group traveling to Reading and the former hoping to build on his showing in South Wales.
Jonjoe Kenny and Calum Dyson did make their first Under-21 appearances of the season, however, having finished their respective loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Stockport County.
The change in personnel affected the defence in particular, and there was need to adjust further when Matthew Pennington was withdrawn through injury on 27 minutes.
By that point, United had already seized control of the contest, going 2-0 up and rarely relinquishing possession. When they did, it just didn’t fall right for the Blues.
The Red Devils struck first on 17 minutes when Weir collected a one-two inside the box and finished low past Mateusz Hewelt.
The damage was doubled six minutes later when Wilson used Premier League nous to dispossess Liam Walsh in the middle of Everton’s half, charge into space and find the bottom corner.
After Callum Connolly had forced Sam Johnstone into the first save of the game, Dyson turned and struck wide. The Toffees were starting to find a way into their hosts’ final third.
And they could have pulled one back just before the break.
After good play in United territory, Dyson found the space to deliver a sublime cross from the right. There was David Henen, whose header looked destined for the bottom corner but for the intervening outstretched hand of Johnstone.
A save that prevented the game from changing, perhaps. A goal at that point would have handed the Blues a huge boost going into the interval.
Nevertheless, Harry Charsley replaced Walsh for the second period and the visitors emerged with stirring belief that a comeback was possible.
Lingard’s side-footed finish on 55 minutes ultimately put paid to that, however, but Unsworth’s side didn’t go down without a fight.
Johnstone had to be alert to save from skipper Williams before pulling out another superb stop to deny Ledson after the midfielder had dug a fierce effort out from under his feet.
The England Under-20 international eventually saw his goal breached with 12 minutes left on the clock. Good work by the Blues on the right saw Kenny whip in a cross and a well-placed Dyson head home.
Despite improving as the game wore on, time ran out for the Toffees, who now look forward to a trip to Norwich City on Tuesday 29 September.
