CONOR McALENY’S superb late winner sent into Everton under-18s into the national final of the FA Premier Academy League as they beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Finch Farm yesterday afternoon.

Neil Dewsnip’s youngsters had finished top of the north west Group C section on Friday, and after an exciting semi-final clash yesterday they eventually made to the final thanks to McAleny’s goal five minutes from the end.

Everton will face either Fulham or Sunderland – who play each other today (kick-off 5pm) – in the final.

Everton were forced into a reshuffle early on when influential Swedish centre-back Johann Hammar was forced off with a knee injury.

Captain Jake Bidwell moved into the centre of defence and played superbly alongside big stopper Eric Dier.

In the aftermath the visitors took the lead on 23 minutes. Graham Burke firing past Everton keeper Adam Davies .

But the home side hit back to level six minutes later when Tom Donegan nipped in on a long ball to slip the ball beyond Villa keeper Calum Barrett before firing home.

Everton were now in the ascendency and it was no surprise when the took the lead six minutes before half-time.

Midfielder Gerard Kinsella fired home from 12 yards.

In an entertaining contest both sides were pushing to score at every opportunity.

Villa substitute Malcolm Melvin headed over from close range, while at the other end McAleny was denied by Villa keeper Barrett.

Villa equalised for a second time with 20 minutes remaining when substitute Michael Drennan made Everton pay for some hesitant defending to score past Davies.

With extra-time looming McAleny finally grabbed the winner and it was an excellent strike.

After creating space 20 yards from goal he fired an unstoppable shot past Villa keeper Barrett to send Everton into the final with the chance to be crowned national champions.