CHRISTIAN SEARGEANT'S late winner ensured Everton under-17s made it six wins out of six against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Gary Ablett's side kept up their 100 per cent start to the FA Premier Academy League season with a 3-2 victory against the Teesiders at Netherton.
The Blues looked to heading for a draw, despite having led 2-0 at half-time. But midfielder Seargeant made sure of victory 13 minutes from time.
The Blues started confidently and took the lead after 21 minutes. Michael Johnson's right-wing corner caused mayhem in the Boro backline and midfielder Laurence Wilson was on hand to score his first of the season from close range.
Five minutes later Ablett's side doubled their advantage. After good build-up play forward Paul Hopkins saw his shot rebound off a post, but Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds couldn't get out of the way and the ball went in off his leg.
However, the visitors hit back with goals from Jason Kennedy and Tom Craddock.
Everton, though, would not be denied and after Johnson's cross had been flicked on by substitute Scott Phelan, Seargeant hit a half-volley past the visiting keeper Dave Knight from 12 yards out.
Ablett said: "It was another good performance. Apart from the first 15 minutes when Middlesbrough did to us what we wanted to do to them by pressing on. We controlled the game and from then on we dominated.
"We had plenty of chances but couldn't finish them off, and that is something we have got to learn to do. When we dominate teams we have got to kill them off.
"We have got a lot of character in the group. They always try and play. And they always try to please. We know they have got that character but it was nice they came out and showed it.
"I think it would be unfair to single anybody out because it was a good team perform-ance."
Neil Dewsnip's under-19s were not in Academy League action but they did beat Coventry City 1-0 in a friendly on Friday with a goal from under-16s player James Vaughan.
Dewsnip said: "It was a case of keeping fitness levels ticking over and giving one or two younger boys a chance.
"And John Irvine, an U15 boy, at right-back played the full match and did particularly well and it was good experience for him."
EVERTON UNDER-17s: Lake, Wynne, Hughes, Wright, Boyle, Seargeant, Harris, Wilson, Johnson (Kearney 80), Hopkins, Fowler (Phelan 75).
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