Keke Simmonds grabbed a first-half brace for the young Blues, which was added to courtesy of Reece Devine’s deflected cross, but it was not enough for the young Blues who conceded three second half goals having been level at half time.
What happened
This clash between first and third got off to an explosive start, with two goals and a spot kick within five minutes of the first whistle.
It was the home side who struck first when Einar Iversen turned the ball into the path of Manasse Mampala, who stole a yard on Colin Rosler and poked the ball past the onrushing ‘keeper, Pawel Sokol.
A minute later and the shot-stopper was the hero as he guessed correctly to palm Gordon’s low penalty away to his right after Iversen was felled.
It was a breathless start and the young Blues were level shortly after as Simmonds headed home from Henri Ogunby’s centre.
A wonderful move from Gareth Taylor’s men allowed the young striker to find the net again in the 20th minute.
Afforded far too much time in the middle of the park, Tommy Doyle picked out Ogunby who was motoring down the right flank and when he drilled an inviting ball across the face of goal, Simmonds duly obliged to steer it home.
It was an even first half and Everton ensured it ended that way as they grabbed an equaliser on the stroke of half time.
Mampala was again involved as he squared to Gordon 12 yards from goal.
Sokol produced a fine save to deflect the first effort onto the bar, but the forward made no mistake with the rebound, calmly placing the ball into the bottom right corner.
After a blusterous first half, the opening of the second period was comparatively sedate as both sides probed but were unable to find a killer ball.
Such was the attacking intent, another goal was inevitable but, buoyed by their equaliser it was the Toffees who struck next, with Gordon netting his second of the game in fine fashion.
The fleet-footed forward darted around Rosler 30 yards from goal and with time to pick his spot arrowed the ball high and to the right of the City ‘keeper from the edge of the area.
Everton further extended their lead in the 70th minute as Fraser Hornby converted to put them two goals to the good and the substitute produced again seven minutes later as he tapped home Mampala’s low cross at the back post.
City were undeterred with their efforts and the introduction of Ian Carlo Povedo almost brought about a goal, but he fired wide when more composure was required in the penalty area.
Taylor’s young charges pulled one back in the final minute as Devine’s deflected cross was spilled into the net by the Everton ‘keeper.
Lineup
Taylor made two changes to the side that beat Sunderland before the international break. Rabbi Matondo was with Simon Davies’ EDS and Nabil Touaizi also came out of the side.
Pawel Sokol was in goal and protected by a back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Yeboah Amankwah, Rosler and Ryan Corrigan.
Doyle, Iker Pozo and Felix Nmecha were in midfield, with Ogunby and and Devine out wide in support of Simmonds.
What it means
City remain top of the league despite losing their 100% record, with their superior goal difference giving them the edge over second-placed Derby County, with whom they have two games in hand on.
They’ll have to wait to return to winning ways in the U18 Premier League, as up next are Reading who travel to the City Football Academy on Saturday 4 November for a Premier League Cup tie.
Having lost their opening fixture to Southampton, the Blues will be looking to bounce back with a win,
