David Unsworth praised his players’ resilience after the young Blues drew 1-1 at League One high-fliers Barnsley in their final Checkatrade Trophy group clash.
Bassala Sambou’s bullet header early in the second half cancelled out Ryan Hedges’ opener, before the Tykes secured a bonus point in Northern Group F by winning 4-2 on penalties.
The home side netted all their spot-kicks and – while Sambou and Jack Kiersey fired home for the Toffees – Barnsley stopper Adam Davies made fine saves from Boris Mathis and Shayne Lavery.