EVERTON under-18s just missed out in nine-goal thriller as they went down 5-4 to Bolton Wanderers at Finch Farm on Saturday.

In a game that had many twists and turns Neil Dewnip’s side were beaten, but they deserved something for their efforts but paid for their defensive frailties.

Everton took the lead after just four minutes through Jose Baxter. But they were soon level after a mistimed header from Shane Duffy was pounced on by a Bolton forward who headed the equaliser.

Everton went back in front through a superb 20-yard strike from Conor McAleny.

As the match continued to swing from end-to-end Bolton equalised again after keeper Connor Roberts misjudged a corner and the visitors headed in.

Bolton took the lead when they curled a free-kick, awarded for a foul by Duffy, into the top corner just before the break.

Then early in the second half it was 4-2 when another defensive error saw Everton keeper Roberts beaten by a chipped effort.

And after Roberts failed to deal with a shot properly, Bolton followed up to build up a three-goal cushion.

Everton, though, rallied with half an hour to go McAleny scored his second when one-on-one with the keeper. Baxter grabbed his second following a corner to give hope of at least a point. They almost grabbed it, but the Bolton keeper made a superb save from Gerard Kinsella.

Coach Dewsnip was left breathless and bemoaning Everton’s porous backline for the defeat. He said: “Generally we are very pleased with what we are doing going forward. We are passing the ball very well, creating lots of chances and obviously scoring lots of goals. And all our problems seem to be at the other end of the field. We know we have to get sorted out defensively and quickly..”

Everton will look to tighten up at the back to give them a better chance of victory at Manchester United this Saturday (kick-off 11am).

Dewsnip said: “It is a really frustrating time for players and staff. We spent an awful lot of time trying to do better with the ball. Keeping it better, creating more chances and getting on the end of things. Fair play to the lads they have taken that on board. But while one thing has got better, the situation has got worse at the other end.”

EVERTON UNDER-18s: Roberts, Mustafi, Nsiala, Duffy (McCarten 45), Garbutt, Bidwell, Akpan, Kinsella, Forshaw (Codling 60), Baxter, McAleny. Subs: Davies, Donaghan, Craig.