DESPITE a bright start Everton Reserves lost 3-1 to Barclays Premiership Reserve League Northern Section leaders Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium last night.

It was the third defeat of the season for Andy Holden’s side.

But things had looked bright early on as Steven Morrison’s 25-yard effort was saved by keeper Brad Jones after 12 mintues.

Striker Kieran Agard also went close but it was the home side who took the lead on 36 minutes.

John Johnson headed past Everton keeper John Ruddy from close range.

Just four minutes into the second half Middlesbrough doubled their advantage. A through ball saw Ben Hutchinson put pressure on Everton defender John Irving and as he attempted to clear the danger he put the ball into his own net.

Just six minutes later Stephen Thomson sealed the points for Boro when he volleyed home.

Substitute Lee Molyneux tapped in with 11 minutes left, but it was no more than a consolation for Everton.

MIDDLESBROUGH RESERVES: Jones, McMahon, Hines, Williams, Grounds, Owens (Goulon 67), Johnson, Smallwood (Franks 79), Bennett (Corker 67), Thompson, Hutchinson.

EVERTON RESERVES: Ruddy, Densmore, Boyle, Irving, Dennehy, Harpur (Downes 70), Morrison, Vidarsson, Jutkiewicz, Agard (Molynuex 54), Kissock.

REFEREE: John Wigglesworth.

ATT: 258.