A superb late equaliser from Omari Benjamin secured a deserved 1-1 draw for Everton's Under-21s away at Crystal Palace in Premier League 2.
Benjamin's turn past the last man and chipped finish ensured a share of the spoils for Dave Hughes' side, who had gone behind to Seb Williams' goal early in the second half but always looked threatening and could have won it late on.
Academy graduate Tom Davies also featured for the Under-21s, coming on as a second-half substitute as the Academy continues to support the midfielder with his fitness while he looks to secure a professional contract elsewhere.
Four changes were made from the side that defeated Tamworth 3-2 in the National League Cup in midweek. Ezra Carrington returned to the starting XI at left-back with Melvin Matos slotting into central midfield, while Under-18s players John Dodds and Harry Brookes were both given starts in central defence and attacking midfield respectively.
Chances were at somewhat of a premium in the early stages although the Toffees were working the ball nicely in possession. In the 10th minute Brookes burst into the box after striker Ceiran Loney won possession back in the final third, but as he fired at goal Brookes saw his effort blocked by a last-ditch sliding challenge from Palace captain George King.
The danger man for Palace looked to be Dean Benamar and the winger twice sent efforts at goal in the first half, drilling one effort narrowly wide in the 18th minute before forcing a fine stop from Toffees keeper Fraser Barnsley eight minutes later.
Everton responded well with Braiden Graham curling one effort high and wide from 18 yards and skipper Will Tamen heading narrowly wide from a corner on the stroke of half-time, while Palace rattled the crossbar through Amaari Sealey's effort.
The period immediately after the restart gave a hint as to how the second half would play out. Palace immediately got on the attack but could not find a way to goal, and the Toffees countered superbly as a result, with Loney being played through one-on-one only for keeper Lucca Benetton to produce an excellent stop to deny the Scottish youth international.