It was a thrilling contest in the first competitive Academy fixture at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, with both sides battling to reach the quarter-final of the competition.
The young Blues had progressed to this stage having won 3-1 at Sheffield United in round three before beating Bromley 2-1 in their fourth round tie at Hayes Lane.
EARLY SET-BACK
The hosts took the lead in the fourth minute when Shea Pita slotted home from close range calmly after Rocco Lambert’s pull-back inside the penalty area.
However, Town replied rapidly as they were level just three minutes later when Jayden Adetiba’s cross into the middle was turned in by Charlie Compton, who poked the ball home from close range. The goalscorer was unfortunate to pick up a knock from scoring and couldn’t continue, being replaced by Nelson Eze.
TAKING THE LEAD
The young Blues were looking the more dangerous side and in the 34th minute, they went in front when Sid Eldred, who has just returned from a long spell out injured, battled through two defenders into the box and smashed his shot into the roof of the net.
It was an excellent half from Matt Pooley’s side, who reacted well after going behind so early on and deserved to be leading at half-time.
SECONDS AWAY
Both sides threatened to score through the second period and the young Blues were holding on well - but were incredibly unlucky to see the game taken to extra-time with seconds left to play.
The Toffees levelled with the last attack of the six additional minutes when Braiden Graham broke through and shot from the edge of the area, finding the top corner.
EXTRA-TIME HEARTBREAK
It was a cagey first period of extra-time with both sides looking to take the lead but the game remained level until.
Then, just a minute into the second half, Everton took the lead for good when Graham broke into the Town box, pulling back a ball for Ray Robert to finish from close range.
The defeat was confirmed in unfortunate fashion four minutes from the end when Town goalkeeper Josh Bentley came out of his area to clear the ball, but his his clearance hit Stevy Brouwers and bounced into the empty Town net.
Matt Pooley is proud of his team. (Image: Ross Halls)
MEMORIES MADE
Town U18s manager Matt Pooley reflected on his side's performance by saying: "Their performance was excellent, we felt we were the stronger team. Unfortunately, we were about 20 to 30 seconds away from going through to the next round with just a moment that just didn't go in our favour.
"We've had a lot of players returning to play as well that aren't fully fit and they've put in some incredible shifts.
He continued: "We're super proud of the lads, they've represented the badge so well during this competition.
"We've made some incredible memories. There's been so many developmental points for the lads as well.
"Some great individual performances and moments. They're going to come away from this as better footballers and better people.
"We said when they go into their adult life and hopefully they have really strong careers, they've going to remember these moments forever."
Town U18s: Bentley, Sains, Wilkinson, Longwe, Duggins (Brouwers, 65’), Doherty, Unadike (Nicolaou, 75’), Wood (C), Eldred (Pedder, 87’), Compton (Eze, 10’ Nsofor, 107’), Adetiba.