Paul Tait’s young Toffees missed out on a chance to reach quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup after going down to a 4-1 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Everton opened the game with intent, Stanley Mills, who has been in fine form for The Blues scoring three goals in two games, came close to opening the scoring five minutes in.
The tricky winger used his pace to get around Logan Pye on the right-wing and shoot from just inside the box forcing United keeper, Radek Vitek, into making a great save tipping the ball just round the post.
Everton got the lead their positive start deserved on 10 minutes through Francis Okoronkwo.
Tthe teenager calmly slotted the ball past Vitek into the far corner after teammate Martin Sherif picked him out on the left side of the box.
The hosts quickly replied a few minutes later when they were awarded a penalty after an Elijah Campbell tackle on Alejandro Garnacho.
Number nine, Charlie McNeill, smashed his spot-kick into Patrick Nash’ left corner leaving the Everton number one with no chance.
Isaac Price nearly put Everton back in the lead on 19 minutes.
His fine volley from just outside the area crashed against the bar.
Against the run of play, the hosts scored a second when a curling cross from full-back Marc Jurado was met by Kobbie Mainoo. His cushioned header found the bottom corner putting his side in front on 29 minutes.
Despite going into half-time a goal down, the visitors began the second half well with an early half-volley attempt from the captain, Matty Mallon, forcing Vitek into another good save.
Everton came agonisingly close to scoring from a corner 62 minutes in.
Jenson Metcalfe’s in-swinger was met by Sherif whose header flashed past the far post.
And Tait’s side were made to pay for their missed chances as United made it 3-1 just a minute later.
Sam Mather smashed home after an array of deflections saw the ball drop to the number seven who had a clear shot on goal from 15 yards out.
The Toffees showed great determination as they continued to push for a goal but fell at the final hurdle. Metcalfe went closest, his shot clipping the bar from 25 yards out.
United sealed the win with their fourth on 90 minutes after Garnacho broke away on the counter-attack running from the halfway line to slot home.
