Everton Under-18s coach Paul Tait praised his side’s character after they edged West Bromwich Albion in a five-goal thriller at USM Finch Farm.
A brace from Manasse Mampala either side of an Anthony Gordon wonder strike ensured the young Blues collected their first three points of 2018.
Tait’s side had to endure an early onslaught from their visitors, with Nicolas Hansen denying both Zak Brown and Nick Phillips in the opening 20 minutes.
And the visitors’ pressure told 12 minutes before the break when Dan Meredith fired the Baggies ahead.