Everton Under-21s boss Paul Tait said he was proud of his youngsters after their Papa Johns Trophy run came to an end with a battling defeat at Lincoln City.
The young Blues came from behind to lead the League One outfit on a freezing night at the LNER Stadium but were left frustrated after two penalty decisions went against them. A late goal after Everton goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban went up for a free kick sealed a 4-2 win for the Imps after a thrilling second half.
Highlights included two excellent goals after Francis Okoronkwo's introduction changed the game - the teenager scoring one then turning creator for Tom Cannon's sublime strike. After the game Tait spoke of his disappointment at the side's cup run coming to an end in the last 16 and expressed his pride at the character they displayed both on Tuesday night and in the wider competition.
