Everton’s youth side endured a night to forget as they slumped to a heavy defeat against Stockport County in their opening EFL Trophy group-stage encounter.
The young Blues, now overseen by David Hughes following his recent appointment as head of academy player development, found themselves three goals behind at the interval before mounting a spirited fightback. However, their resistance crumbled in the closing stages as the home side restored their commanding advantage.
Hughes, who spent six months managing Newport County last year, watched his team struggle early on as Stockport dominated proceedings. The hosts, under new manager Jimmy McNulty, had made sweeping changes to their line-up following their weekend league victory but still possessed more than enough quality to overcome the young opposition.
Malik Mothersille opened the scoring for County after 11 minutes. The Jamaica international, who had previously trialled with Everton’s academy in 2023 following his departure from Chelsea, profited from Callum Camps’ precise through ball. Despite George Pickford getting fingertips to the strike, the ball found its way into the net.
The home side extended their advantage before half-time with two quick goals. Everton attempted to play out from the back but lost possession, allowing Camps to tap in from close range. Then, in stoppage time, Jason Adigun nutmegged William Tamen before supplying Mika Mandron, who finished coolly.
After the break, Hughes’ charges staged a remarkable fightback. Joel Catesby, who suffered a serious leg injury in this competition last October, swept home Braiden Graham’s cross on 51 minutes. Three minutes later, Melvin Matos was felled by Owen Moxon, and Graham confidently converted the resulting penalty, sending Lucas Ashby-Hammond the wrong way.
Graham then drew Everton level with a superb curling strike from distance on 77 minutes. Yet instead of completing a stunning fightback, the visitors collapsed. Tayo Edun restored Stockport’s advantage within a minute, before Mothersille struck twice more to complete his treble.
Player ratings:
George Pickford 5
Could not prevent Mothersille’s opening goal despite getting a hand to it, and one of his kicks struck Mandron.
George Finney 5
Still developing and not ready to solve Everton’s right-back situation despite his loan spell in Scotland.
William Tamen 4
A difficult evening for the captain, who was caught in possession for Stockport’s second goal and embarrassed by Adigun’s trick for the third.
Luis Gardner 5
Struggled in his central defensive partnership during the opening period, attempting one ambitious pass that missed its target.
Joshua Van Schoor 5
Under pressure for long stretches, booked for a tackle on Mothersille.
Harvey Foster 5
Back to reality after scoring for the first team last month, often chasing opponents.
Harry Brookes 5
Overrun in midfield initially but lasted until the comeback began before being substituted.
Braiden Graham 9
Once again Everton’s standout performer, providing an assist, scoring from the spot and adding a brilliant individual goal.
Melvin Matos 7
Sustained an early head injury and returned with his shirt bloodied. Won the penalty after being fouled by Moxon.
Joel Catesby 8
A memorable moment for the Birkenhead player, who made a goalscoring return after his injury nightmare.
Ceiran Loney 5
Failed to beat Ashby-Hammond when through on goal and could not find the target with another effort.
Substitutes:
Jack Patterson (replaced Brookes, 57th minute) 6
Provided energy for the closing stages.
Justin Clarke (replaced Catesby, 70th minute) 7
Created a chance for Loney.
Aled Thomas (replaced Gardner, 83rd minute)
Appeared before Stockport’s fifth goal.
Omari Benjamin (replaced Matos, 83rd minute)
Came on at the same time.
Jonathan Nsangou (replaced Loney, 83rd minute)
Also introduced in the 83rd minute.