LEWIS CODLING’S hat-trick was the highlight of Everton’s superb 6-1 victory over Barnsley at Finch Farm on Saturday.

Having confirmed second place in the north west section of the FA Premier Academy League with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough last week, Neil Dewsnip’s side continued their impressive end-of-season form with a fine win in their final home match of the campaign.

Now they will look to end the season on a high at north west section winners Manchester City.

Saturday’s victory came despite Everton going 1-0 down on 10 minutes following a disputed free-kick. But five minutes later Codling equalised as he smashed in a superb overhead kick after his initial effort had rebounded up in the air off the goalkeeper.

Despite dominating Everton didn’t go ahead until just before the break after full-back Moses Barnett ran the length of the pitch with Jose Baxter before coolly slotting home.

Then moments later centre-back James McCarten headed home following a free-kick.

Everton continued to press for more goals after the break and Codling grabbed his hat-trick, scoring twice in 10 minutes early in the second half.

Luke Powell completed Everton’s victory with the sixth goal on the hour.

Dewsnip said: “We played very well in the final third, which if I have had a criticism this year it has been we haven’t been good enough in those areas. But on Saturday we were outstanding. It was an excellent result and very encouraging.

“They actually scored first, from a dubious free-kick, and they played nicely on the ball, but once Lewis Codling equalised we took over and scored six great goals and could have had a few more.

“We made all our substitions when we scored the sixth to give others a chance, but as it can do the game died a bit. When the score is that big and you make changes it can change the rhythm.”

Everton complete their season this Saturday at Manchester City (kick-off 11am) and Dewsnip said: “It is a top-of-the-table clash to end the season, which is a nice way to finish.”

EVERTON UNDER-18s: Stubhaug; McArdle, Sinnott, McCarten, Barnett; McCready, Redmond, Baxter (Krenn 60), O’Kane; Powell (Sheppard 60), Codling (Akpan 60). Subs: McEntagart, Agard.