Everton completed their EFL Trophy group matches win a late 1-0 win at Mansfield Town in a game that had appeared to be heading for a penalty shoot-out.
However, the result won’t be enough for the young Blues to progress to the knockout stages.
Paul Tait’s men had not found the net in their previous two fixtures, suffering 2-0 defeats at both Doncaster Rovers and Burton Albion but they were handed a lifeline in Nottinghamshire when Geroge Cooper was penalised for putting his arms around Youssef Chermiti in the area.
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The £15million summer signing, who had endured a frustrating evening up until that point, then held his nerve to send Mansfield’s impressive goalkeeper Scott Flinders the wrong way from the spot on in a contest that also saw club captain Seamus Coleman continue his comeback from injury.
Joao Virginia 7
Wasn’t called into making a string of saves like goalkeeper Billy Crellin in Everton’s previous two group games but dealt with everything that came his way, albeit with some help from those in front of him.
Seamus Coleman 7
Continuing his comeback after a 45-minute run-out against Manchester United Under-21s on Saturday, the Everton captain led by example alongside the youngsters, using all his experience in an accomplished display.
Kyle John 6
Some tigerish tackling from the little left-back the stuck to his task well to allow Lewis Dobbin to drive forward in front of him but he was fortunate to get away with a second meaty challenge coming just moments after he was booked.
Ryan Astley 7
Made a last-ditch challenge to block a shot from Hiram