EVERTON under-18s secured their first victory of the season in stunning fashion as they beat Sunderland 5-2 on Saturday.

Everton had opened the FA Premier Academy League campaign with two narrow defeats to West Ham and Coventry, but Neil Dewsnip’s side put that behind them at Finch Farm.

The side were boosted by first team squad members Jose Baxter and James Wallace.

With two defeats behind them Everton showed plenty of character after going a goal behind in the first minute on Saturday.

Lewis Codling levelled the scores in the sixth minute when he coolly finished after going one-on-one with the keeper. Soon after Wallace, who is in the England U19s squad to face Russia at Shrewsbury tomorrow, put Everton ahead.

Wales under-21s international midfielder Nathan Craig put Dewsnip’s side 3-1 up.

Right on half-time Codling added his second after a superb passing move when he fired Adam Forshaw’s cross from close range.

Sunderland hit back five minutes after the break to reduce the arrears.

But with 10 minutes left Everton restored their three-goal cushion when Baxter tapped in.