Losing to Fulham put a dampener on the feel-good factor swirling around Goodison Park after three great wins, but the Under 23s have brought it straight back by winning the Premier League 2 title.
The young Toffees squad clinched the crown with a 1-0 win over Brighton on Monday night, thanks to Josh Bowler scoring his third of the season.
Bowler took possession on the right flank as David Unsworth’s side began to get a foothold in the game, drove towards the penalty box and fended off a challenge by Seagulls’ ace Jayson Molumby using his great strength, before drilling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area.
The wide midfielder proved a threat throughout the encounter, and could have added a second of the game in the later 45, but his tantalising effort, again from outside the box, drifted just wide of the post.
It did not matter in the end, though, as his first-half goal proved enough, and moved our U23s onto 41 points – six points clear of second-placed Brighton.
The win meant the young Toffees lifted the trophy at home, and earned a lot of praise on social media…
The only league that matters
— John Whelan (@MEvertonians) April 15, 2019
Well done boys and especially Rhino, not bad for a glorified PE teacher ????????????????????????????????????????????
— Marie (@MarieBr70) April 15, 2019
Congratulations lads!!! Brands is watching!!
— Tony (@TonyJrEfc) April 15, 2019
that was cracking stuff.
We LOVED watching this here Tuesday morning in New Zealand – even more perfect as my boys are now off to football academies all day long today
— paul le comte (@five15design) April 15, 2019
Congratulations lads, well deserved ???? #proud ????????????????????????And particular plaudits should go to Unsy, a true blue ????????
— Colette Williams (@ColetteKell1) April 15, 2019
Pep Guardiola wishes he was as good as David unsworth
— Adam???????????????????????????? (@adxmEFC) April 15, 2019
Really enjoyed this, great job lads
— EverythingNow (@GingeVintage) April 15, 2019
Congratulations to all the Staff at the Academy on winning the PL2 title again. Often overlooked, full credit to the Recruitement Department, inc ex Head of Academy Recruitement @MartinWaldron12 and all the dedicated Everton Scouts, who keep bringing these lads in to the Club
— John Moran (@moranjm9) April 15, 2019
Superb mate, bar that one rush off blood. Honestly think he’ll be the next John Stones
— Chris addison (@Addo1878) April 15, 2019
Fantastic result lads COYB We just need to have the same team spirit in the first team next season
— Bernie Amundsen (@AmundsenBernie) April 16, 2019
Congratulations and well played. What a great manager Unsworth is (and the rest of the management team). Both times I’ve seen them lift the trophy and he just let’s the lads enjoy their moment while he stands on the sidelines like a proud father ????
— Lynne (@GullLynne) April 15, 2019
Get in !!!! Well done rhino and the team
— steve harding (@stevietoffee) April 15, 2019