EVERTON under-18s finally secured the Barclays Premier Academy Group C title on Friday without kicking a ball.

Having already completed their regular season fixtures, Neil Dewsnip’s side had to wait to see if neighbours Liverpool would overtake them and take the place in the national play-offs.

Needing a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Kirkby Academy, Liverpool could only draw 2-2, meaning Everton’s stayed on top the north west section table.

Everton will take on Group B winners Aston Villa at home on Monday to try and secure a place in the final against either Sunderland or Fulham.

Everton coach Dewsnip was naturally delighted. And he said: “We have been preparing as if we were going to play again so we will be ready for the Aston Villa game. Hopefully we can go all the way.”

Fellow Academy coach Kevin Sheedy, who along with the players, was among those watching the Liverpool match on television at Finch Farm, said: “The boys deserve it. We have been top of the table for a long time and have been there to shoot at in some regards. But we stuck to our guns and got some good results along the way.”