THREE goals in the final 14 minutes saw Everton come from two down to maintain their unbeaten start to 2013 with a stunning victory over Blackburn Rovers yesterday.

The visitors were looking to avenge a 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture in January and looked set to do so as they took control through Kellan Daly’s early tap-in and a wonderful long-range effort from the impressive John O’Sullivan.

But midfielder Ross Barkley gave Everton hope by driving the ball home from a near-impossible angle before Apostolos Vellios stabbed home to level the scores with four minutes remaining.

Having come from two behind to draw at Sunderland a week ago, it looked as though Alan Stubbs’ side were again set to take a point but there was just enough time remaining for Conor McAleny to provide a cool finish and give his side what could prove a priceless win.

Stubbs was able to name a strong side, with German international Thomas Hitzlsperger joined by six other players boasting Everton first-team experience.

Two days after being included in David Moyes’ squad for the 3-1 win over Reading, there was also just a third second-string start for goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe, while Bryan Oviedo added further international know-how on the bench.

EVERTON RESERVES: Springthorpe, Stones, Browning, Duffy, Garbutt, Junior, Kennedy, Barkley, Hitzlsperger, Vellios, McAleny.