Everton Under-21s suffered a second defeat in the Jersey Mike's Trophy as they lost 2-1 to League Two Shrewsbury Town, with the winning goal arriving in stoppage time.
Shrewsbury made 10 changes from the side that drew 3-3 at Rotherham United on Saturday. Isaac Fletcher put the hosts ahead with a volley on 51 minutes.
Everton substitute Omari Benjamin equalised with a low finish from a tight angle on 84 minutes, but the visitors could not clear a corner and Jeval Thompson-McKenzie fired in from close range to secure the points for Shrewsbury.
Player ratings
Fraser Barnsley was rated 5 after a nervous display. He spilled a shot from Joseph Gdobe, from which Jay Snook should have scored, and after being beaten by Fletcher he flapped at a cross. He made an acrobatic save to deny Jayden Olisaemeka Lukas Rattray in stoppage time, but Thompson-McKenzie scored the winner from the resulting corner.
George Finney (6) was kept busy with defensive duties, while Ezra Carrington (6), a former Manchester City player, continued at left-back and looked comfortable on the ball. John Dodds (6) read the game well against hardened lower division professionals.
Captain Luis Gardner (7) went close early on with a powerful shot that drew a save from Sam Proctor and looked assured alongside Dodds. Shea Pita (7) delivered a lively display and created a chance for Brookes after robbing Lee Isaac of possession. Melvin Matos (7) was full of running, and Harvey Foster (7) gave a polished performance in midfield.
Substitutes make an impact
Harry Brookes (5) should have scored late in the first half from a back-post chance created by Shea Pita's cross and was substituted shortly after Everton went behind. Braiden Graham (7) was Everton's most lively attacker but could not find a breakthrough.
Ceiran Loney (6) worked hard leading the line but had few clear opportunities. Callum Bates (7) came on for Brookes and passed the ball well. Omari Benjamin (8) scored a coolly taken right-foot equaliser and was a constant threat. William Tamen (5) and Joshua Van Schoor (6) made late appearances in defence.
