Reading 0-1 Everton u18

Everton Under-18s continued their charge for the Premier League title with a 1-0 away win over Reading.

The young Blues, who were crowned champions of the division in 2013/14, got the decisive goal after half an hour when Antony Evans rounded off a free-flowing team move.

It was a just reward for a dominant first-half showing, with John Ebbrell’s side unfortunate to not be leading by a greater margin at the half-time interval.

The second period started in a similar fashion to the first, with the Toffees well on top.

But the hosts found their rhythm as the half wore on - and coach Ebbrell admits he was just as delighted with his side’s defensive grit as their flair going forward.

“It was a really, really good test for us,” he told evertonfc.com. “We were easily the better team in the first half but unfortunately couldn’t get more goals to reflect that.

“Then, we really had to dig deep in the last 20 to 25 minutes and it was great to hold on to get the clean sheet.

“It gives us a great platform. We have another away game next against Chelsea and we know if we can get through that one well, we’ll be in a very good position for the rest of the season.”