Everton Under-18s earned a stunning comeback victory over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, responding from 2-0 down to take all three points in a 3-2 win at Finch Farm.
A goal on the half-hour mark from Demi Akarakiri, along with a second-half brace for Jonathan Nsangou – in his first start for the Under-18s – were the crucial contributions for the Toffees.
Keith Southern’s young Blues had conceded early in the Under-18 Premier (North) contest, falling to a 15th-minute from Kenneth Mensah. Oliver Boast then extended the lead for the visitors on 23 minutes.
Searching for a quick response, Toffees midfielder Akarakiri pulled one back seven minutes later – the 16-year-old’s second league goal of his maiden campaign on Merseyside.
Down at the interval, Nsangou – a current intentional for Poland Under-15s – notched a leveller for the Toffees on 58 minutes.
Dealt a blow shortly after, Justin Clarke was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.
But the Blues kept going – and Nsangou netted his second on 75 minutes, making it 3-2 to Everton – a lead the young Toffees were able to hold on to until the final whistle.
The win keeps Everton in the top four of the league table, level on points with Derby County in third.