Everton under-23s sealed an important 3 points in Premier League 2 against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, scoring two second-half goals in a comeback victory on their travels.
Paul Tait’s side had been on quite a poor run of form going into their fixture away to Brighton and Hove Albion, winning just 1 of their last 5 games in all competitions, a 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy second round.
However, Brighton had also only won 1 of their last 5, a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in PL2.
Everton would go into the fixture with a much-changed side, with Isaac Price and Stanley Mills not involved due to their involvement with the first team over the weekend and Tom Cannon not involved due to completing a loan move to Preston North End.
The hosts would start the game on the front foot, creating most of the chances in the first half. They would eventually make the breakthrough in the match, with Samy Couchane slotting past Leban.
However, the toffees would get a foothold in the game during the second half and would draw level thanks to a back post header from right-back Kyle John.
Everton would take the lead late on through a superb long-range strike from MacKenzie Hunt after John won the ball back deep in Brighton’s half.
FT. #EFCU21 come from behind to claim three #PL2 points on the road – well played, Blues! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ocai9M5gz5
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) January 22, 2023
This impressive victory for the toffees pushed them up to 7th in the Premier League 2 table, 6 points ahead of Brighton in 9th.
A visit from Fulham is next for Paul Tait’s side in PL2, with the cottages sitting level on points with Everton currently but with a better goal difference.