EVERTON Under-21s kept a second successive clean sheet at Fulham on Monday night.

But influential defender Tyias Browning admitted the young Blues were happy to grind out a “dirty” win at Motspur Park.

And the 1-0 win secured by Conor McAleny’s 19th-minute strike has given them confidence they can now top their Qualification Group 1 table and reach April’s final stage play-offs.

Browning, who enjoyed an assured match, said: “It was good to make it two wins on the bounce, and even better to get a second clean sheet.

“It was a tough pitch and at times it was more like attack versus defence. It was a ‘dirty’ win more than anything.

“Hopefully we can go the rest of the season unbeaten. If we can do that we will move up the league. Two wins and a couple of clean sheets means we are confident and can’t wait for the next game.”

Usually found at right-back, Browning (left) was shifted to centre-half for the meeting with the Cottagers, allowing new signing John Stones to make his first Everton appearance since a January move from Barnsley.

The powerful 19-year-old was thankful for the presence of skipper Shane Duffy alongside him.

“I haven’t played centre half for about two years,” continued Browning. “I definitely haven’t played there since I was a first year at Everton.

“But Shane is a big influence and he helps you a lot.

“It was a good experience and I didn’t mind filling in there. I will play wherever the gaffer tells me to.”

Browning was also pleased for new teammate Stones, who caught the eye with an accomplished 90-minute display.

“It was John’s first game for Everton and I thought he was one of our best players,” he said. “Hopefully he can progress with us and force his way into the first team. That’s what we’re all trying to do.

“He has settled in really quickly.”

Everton’s next game is at home against Middlesbrough on Sunday.