Everton starlet returns from injury but cannot save Blues from defeat

Lewis Warrington played for an hour on his return to action following the knee injury that ended his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.

The academy starlet started for Everton Under-21s, providing a welcome boost for boss Paul Tait during a season in which his side has been undermined by summer departures and the need for youngsters to support the first team squad.

Warrington was unable to prevent the Blues from slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in Southport.

But with the returning Reece Welch, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Forest Green Rovers, Tait’s options have strengthened heading into the second half of the campaign.

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Tait was without Lewis Dobbin and Youssef Chermiti, who featured in Sean Dyche’s squad for Everton’s draw at home to Crystal Palace, while promising midfielder Tyler Onyango remains absent with a long term groin injury. But Jenson Metcalfe and Mackenzie Hunt both started after stints in the first team matchday squad.

The opening exchanges provided few chances until Forest went close when Jamie McDonnell headed inches wide from a corner. The Blues' first opportunity came when Metcalfe won the ball back on the edge of the penalty area before a slick exchange with Katia Kouyoute led to Metcalfe firing into the grasp of Aaron Bott in the Forest goal.

Warren Joyce’s side should have been ahead shortly after, as Jack Perkins released Joe Gardner, who fired wide from inside the penalty area. Forest made their pressure pay just before the half hour, when