Everton Under-18s coach Paul Tait believes his side lacked character after they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Sunderland at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday afternoon.
After a tight opening, the young Blues fell behind on 15 minutes when Michael Collins turned Williams Kokolo’s low cross into his own net.
The Black Cats soon went close to doubling their lead when Robbie Dunroe raced clear, but the forward’s low drive was comfortably held by Tom Murphy in the Blues goal.
At the other end, the hosts’ best chance of the first half fell the way of Ellis Simms - but the forward’s right-footed effort from an acute angle rattled off the post.