ADAM THOMAS helped move Everton under-18s clear at the top of the FA Premier Academy League table with the winning strike in a 3-2 victory at Stoke City on Saturday.

With second-placed Manchester City not in action, Neil Dewsnip’s side moved three points clear with victory in one of their two games in hand on City.

Goals from Danny Murphy, Anton Forrester and Thomas gave Everton all three points to continue their title quest.

Everton started well and took the lead after 25 minutes. Murphy headed in from Tom Donegan’s free-kick.

Forrester doubled Everton’s advantage soon after when schoolboy debutant Jasper Johns set up the striker to crash a superb effort into the top corner.

It seemed like Dewsnip’s side would be cruising to victory at the break. But the home side hit back scoring twice in a five-minute spell.

Everton were also grateful to keeper Conor Roberts who made two fine saves. Forrester went close to restoring Everton’s advantage when he went one-on-one with the Stoke keeper.

But after Hallam Hope was introduced he got in behind the Stoke defence and crossed for Thomas to tap home the winner.

Coach Dewsnip said: “It was a really exciting game. We started off well and were 2-0 up. We were in control of the game and played really well. We were quite comfortable at half-time. But within four minutes it wasn’t. We were obviously rocking and rolling. But eventually we won.”

He added: “The lads are very strong mentally and they have a great desire. Players come in and go out as happens at this level, but there seems to be a constant mental toughness to find a way of winning. It is very encouraging for them as individuals. It is an important quality that we have in this group.”

Everton face Sheffield United at Finch Farm this Saturday (kick-off 11am).

EVERTON UNDER-18s: Roberts, Higgins, Murphy, Dyer, Garbutt, Johns (Hope 70), Barrow, Donegan, Dobie, Thomas, Forrester. Subs: Heneghan, Griffiths, Toure.