Everton Under-21s suffered a 6-3 defeat at Stockport County in their opening EFL Trophy Northern Section Group E fixture at Edgeley Park, despite a remarkable comeback from three goals down.
Stockport's early dominance
New Hatters boss Jimmy McNulty, who spent time in the Blues' academy himself, made a full 11 changes from the side that won 3-1 at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. Croydon-born Jamaica international Malik Mothersille, who had a trial with Everton U21s in 2023, fired the hosts ahead on 11 minutes. Callum Camps threaded the ball through to Mothersille, and although goalkeeper George Pickford got a hand to his effort, he couldn't prevent it from crossing the line.
County then hit Everton with a quickfire double just before the break. Captain William Tamen was robbed of possession before Camps was given an easy finish, and then Jason Adigun put the ball through Tamen's legs and picked out Mika Mandron to score.
Everton's fightback
Early in the second half, the Blues got back into the contest with a rapid brace. On 51 minutes, Braiden Graham, operating on the right wing, picked out Joel Catesby with a smart cross, and he found the net with an assured finish. Three minutes later, Melvin Matos was chopped down by Owen Moxon, and Graham stepped up confidently to send the ball to Lucas Ashby-Hammond's right, with the keeper going the wrong way.
The Northern Ireland prospect then briefly completed a comeback with an impressive curling effort from the edge of the area on 77 minutes, but instead of inspiring a remarkable turnaround, Everton capitulated once more.
Late collapse
A minute later, substitute Tayo Edun fired Stockport back in front, and a mere 60 seconds after that, Mothersille grabbed his second with a calm, low finish before completing his hat-trick in stoppage time.
Player ratings: George Pickford 5, George Finney 5, William Tamen 4, Luis Gardner 5, Joshua Van Schoor 5, Harvey Foster 5, Harry Brookes 5, Braiden Graham 9, Melvin Matos 7, Joel Catesby 8, Ceiran Loney 5. Subs: Jack Patterson 6, Justin Clarke 7, Aled Thomas (late cameo), Omari Benjamin (late cameo), Jonathan Nsangou (late cameo).
