Everton's young stars showcased their potential across an Easter weekend bursting with important goals.
The starlets highlighted their ability with impressive displays both within the club's youth setup and, in Ellis Simms' case, a wondergoal in a cup semi-final. Across a bank holiday in which the Blues' senior team were out of action, the club's youngsters still gave supporters plenty to get excited about.
The action started on Good Friday when Everton U23s saw off Chelsea at Goodison Park. Tom Cannon and Rafael Garcia were on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win, during which Jarrad Branthwaite wore the captain's armband.
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Cannon's goal was the result of a glorious team move started by keeper Harry Tyrer, the teenager finishing after a clever backheel from Tyler Onyango. Garcia then slotted home after a mazy run from Stanley Mills.
Also on Friday, on-loan Nathan Broadhead scored a brace as Sunderland secured a dramatic - and crucial win - over Shrewsbury Town in League One. Broadhead headed in a looping cross in stoppage time at the Stadium of Light to secure a late victory that kept Sunderland's promotion hopes alive.
He had earlier rifled home a volley to give his side a 2-0 lead before the Shrews fought back and threatened to cost the Black Cats their place in the play-offs - though Sheffield Wednesday's win on Saturday night pushed them out of the top six on goal difference. It was Broadhead's second stoppage time winner in a fortnight after his 95th minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Gillingham on April 2.
The most stunning strike from a Blue came in Scotland when Simms helped Hearts to a 2-1 win in their Scottish League Cup semi-final over rivals Hibernian. Simms, who in November signed a deal that will keep him at Everton until 2024, struck from 20 yards to break the deadlock and spark excitement that he could play a role for the Blues next season.
