Everton Under-18s began the 2016/17 Under-18 Premier League season with a 1-0 defeat away at Newcastle United.
The young Blues, who enjoyed a fruitful campaign that included winning the Dallas Cup last year, suffered late heartbreak as an 80th-minute goal earned the Magpies all three points.
In a tight and cagey opening, both sides struggled to find their rhythm with chances few and far between.
It was therefore no surprise that the game remained goalless at the half-time interval.
It was a case of more of the same for Kevin Sheedy’s side in the second half as further promising build-up play was let down by a lack of composure in the final third.