Everton Under-18s twice came from behind to earn a point against Manchester City at Finch Farm, but ultimately the 4-4 draw saw the visitors crowned league champions.
The young Blues headed into the break with a 2-1 advantage after first-half goals from Nathan Holland and Nathan Broadhead had cancelled out Jaden Sancho’s opener.
But the Citizens put themselves back in control of the contest shortly after the interval by scoring three goals in quick succession through Lukas Nmecha, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Aaron Nemane.
Trailing 4-2, the Toffees managed to get one back with Holland netting just after the hour-mark before he then turned provider for Callum Lees who headed home an equaliser 15 minutes from time.
The young Blues went into the game knowing only a win would keep alive their slim hopes of winning the title and Kevin Sheedy’s side started brightly - but it was in fact the league leaders who opened the scoring as Sancho netted a fine individual goal on 30 minutes.
Throughout the game, Everton always looked a threat on the break and City’s lead didn’t last long as Broadhead and Liam Morris combined to find Holland who poked an effort into the bottom corner.
The visitors were now firmly on the back foot and the Toffees made them pay once again with another fine counter-attacking goal.
Striker Shayne Lavery led the line and he played in Broadhead who made no mistake with his finish, firing high past City goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw to give his side a lead going into the break.
Shortly after the interval, the game would be turned on its head as a disappointing 10-minute spell from the Blues left them with it all to do.
Nmecha produced a deft chip over keeper Ciaran O’Loughlin just five minutes into the second period before Dele-Bashiru and Nemane put the visitors in full control of an entertaining affair.
The Toffees have shown resilience all season, however, and grabbed a goal back through England youth international Holland to offer a glimmer of hope.
Broadhead found the midfielder, who took one touch before executing a brilliant curling effort past the keeper for his second goal of the game in what was an impressive all-round display from the teenager.
Sheedy’s side now had the momentum and a spell of constant pressure was rewarded with 15 minutes remaining as Holland crossed for Lees and the defender headed in from close range.
Both sides pushed for a late winner but it remained all square meaning the Blues would fall just short of league title glory.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, Sheedy spoke after the game of his delight at his group of players for their efforts throughout the season.
"The lads gave everything they’ve got and more. I couldn’t be more proud of them," the Blues legend told evertonfc.com. "Sometimes, yes, you do want to win the league, but the way they’ve conducted themselves and the effort and commitment they put in - I’m delighted with them.
“We are also delighted with some of the individual performances tonight. Nathan Holland was absolutely outstanding. He was the best player on the pitch, he scored two fantastic goals and his work-rate was excellent.
"Overall, there are lots of good things to look back on and ultimately it’s about the players' development and they’ve certainly got better since the start of the season."
Everton Under-18s starting XI: O’Loughlin, Yates, Harrington, Denny, Lees, Yarney, Morris, Kiersey ( C ), Lavery, Holland, Broadhead.
Subs: Johnson, Mellen, Baningime, Bramall, Mampala.
Manchester City Under-18s starting XI: Grimshaw, Bullock, Oliver, Humphries ( C ), Wood, Davenport, Nemane, Kongolo, Nmecha, Dele-Bashiru, Sancho.
Subs: Kigbu, Haug, Patching, Fernandes, Buckley.
