Everton under-23s brought a run of three matches without a win to an end by beating Chelsea 2-0 at Southport on Sunday.
After a goalless first half, strikes in the second period from Ellis Simms and Tyler Onyango were enough to give the young Blues all three points.
David Unsworth named a strong side to take on Chelsea with Anthony Gordon, Niels Nkounkou and Jarrad Branthwaite all starting – having been involved with the first team in recent months.
And the former of that trio nearly broke the deadlock inside two minutes with an effort that clipped off the top of the crossbar after cutting inside on his right foot.
That was the best opportunity in a tight opening 45 minutes of the match, but the hosts turned it up a gear following the break.
After a great run from Nathan Broadhead in a central position, the ball fell to the impressive Einar Iversen inside the box before his blocked effort went straight into the path of Simms to convert his sixth goal of the season.
Midway through the half, Everton were able to extend their lead with a rapid counter attack.
Gordon played a crucial role with a strong run down the left-hand side before playing a perfect through ball to Onyango who slotted calmly under Karlo Ziger in the Chelsea goal.
The win is the third of the season for the u-23s and moves them onto ten points from their opening seven matches of the term.
Everton are now seventh in the Premier League 2 and just two points behind Chelsea in third.
Everton: Virginia; Pennington, Astley, Pennington, Nkounkou; Onyango, Baningime, Iversen; Broadhead, Simms, Gordon
Subs: Tyrer, Ouzounidis, Quirk, Jagne, Hughes
