Everton Under-23s fell to a 3-2 friendly defeat at Dundalk on Tuesday evening.
The young Blues took the lead on 15 minutes as Calum Dyson slotted home past the advancing goalkeeper after being released down the middle.
The hosts responded seven minutes later via Ciaran O’Connor, who tapped in from close range to ensure parity at the half-time interval.
Carlton Ubaezuono’s impressive solo effort then gave Dundalk the lead, before O’Connor’s second of the evening extended the Lilywhites’ advantage two minutes later.
Nathan Broadhead pulled one back with a sensational left-footed 30-yard, but the Toffees couldn’t go on to find an equaliser despite late pressure.