THREE first-half goals helped Everton Under-18s continue their unbeaten start to the FA Premier Academy League season with an excellent 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at Finch Farm.

Neil Dewsnip’s side made it two wins from their three matches as Danny Murphy, Hallum Hope and Tom Donegan all netted.

Following a Donegan free-kick, Murphy headed home after 20 minutes.

On the half-hour, Hope made it 2-0. The Everton striker was alert to tap home after Adam Thomas’s initial shot had been parried out by the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Five minutes before half-time Everton effectively sealed the points when Donegan’s corner flew straight into the net.

Newcastle then managed to capitalise on some hesitancy in first-half stoppage time to pull a goal back.

There were a number of half-chances after the break for both sides, but there wasn’t the same level of performance and in the end Everton’s first-half efforts gave them the victory.

Dewsnip said: “We played very well in the first-half.

“We were 3-0 up and looking to score more so I was really delighted with our first-half performance. Unfortunately we lost concentration in injury time at the end of the first-half to concede a goal which was disappointing because we had played so well. The second-half petered out a little bit. We had chances to score but didn’t take them, while they threatened once or twice but nothing too worrying. Overall it was a good victory.”

He added: “It has been a very positive start to the season. We didn't play well at Birmingham last week, but we did this week. It was very pleasing and if we can perform like we did in the first-half against Newcastle we can do well.

“That is what we would like to achieve this week.”

Everton travel to Barnsley on Saturday (kick-off 11am) looking to continue their fine start.

Dewsnip said: “It is always incredibly tough when we go to Barnsley so we will need to play well to get a positive result.”

EVERTON UNDER-18s: Roberts, Barrow, Murphy, Hammar, Bidwell, Thomas (Lundstram 85), McAleny, Cummins, Forrester (Dobie 80), Hope. Sub (not used): Orenuga.