EVERTON U18s kicked of the defence of their Premier Academy League title with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Goals from England U17s international Chris Long and schoolboy Danny O’Brien secured the victory in north London.

The young Blues started the game strongly and opened the scoring on 21 minutes through a superb individual effort from Long.

The 16-year-old striker tried his luck from 30 yards out from a tight angle, and rifled the ball into the net to put the visitors in front.

After the interval, Spurs looked the brighter of the two sides as they battled hard for an equaliser.

But an impressive display of skill by highly-rated Anton Forrester six minutes from time saw the forward find space to set up O’Brien to slot home through the Spurs stopper’s leg for Everton’s second of the game.

Under-18s coach Kevin Sheedy was delighted with the determination the players showed in their Premier Academy League opener.

“It was a good start to the season,” Sheedy said.

“We had a very good first half. We could have been 3-0 up at half-time but their keeper made two excellent saves. But the team played really well and we’re pleased with the outcome.

“In the second half we didn’t start well and we were on the back foot. We weren’t as good with the ball but we kept a clean sheet. The lads were really determined today what with it being the first game of the season and we’re really please with the result.”

The Blues side once again featured Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier, who helped them to the title last season and has been allowed to continue his learning curve with the young Toffees after the Portuguese giants sanctioned another season-long loan for the English-born hopeful who has been touted as a future full England international.

The young Blues are next in action this Saturday when Reading visit Finch Farm

Meanwhile, former Academy prospects Jose Baxter and James Wallace played for Alan Stubbs’ reserve side during their 2-0 defeat by Fulham on Monday.

Coach Andy Holden singled out 19-year-old Baxter’s display as one of few positives in a match of defensive errors that left him fuming.

“It’s hard to take positives from a 2-0 defeat but Yakubu had a chance just before half-time,” said Holden.

“Then Jose Baxter had one in the middle of the goal and if we take them it’s a 2-2 draw.

“But we’ve got to make sure we’re a lot better defensively.”

Holden believes that Baxter, who captained the reserves, did well in central midfield next to England U20s star Wallace, but that his future lies in a more advanced attacking position.

“I think Jose would suit a 4-5-1 formation, and he would be at the top of the five just behind the front-man,” he said.

“He’s a bright kid, he sees a pass and has an eye for a goal.

“I think going forward that’ll be his best position.”