Everton Under-23s had to settle for a goalless draw despite a dominant display against Barnsley in their Premier League Cup Group F clash in Southport.
David Unsworth’s side had numerous chances to break the deadlock as Bassala Sambou, Josh Bowler, Fraser Hornby, Shayne Lavery and Nathangelo Markelo all went close. But the hosts could not find the back of the net on a frustrating night, with the sides meeting again for the reverse fixture in the competition in Yorkshire on Monday afternoon.
Everton started brightly and created the first real chance inside the opening three minutes as Bowler skipped past Will Smith in the Barnsley defence and lofted a cross up to the back post.