Rovers Under-23s remain winless in Premier League 2 this season as Everton Under-23s triumphed 3-0 at the County Ground in Leyland, writes Sam Jones.

Antony Evans’ first-half strike put the away side ahead before Nathan Broadhead’s goal and a second from Evans secured victory for the Toffees after the break.

Joe Grayson and Daniel Butterworth both returned to the Under-23s starting line-up after making their first team debuts on Tuesday.

But Rovers were without captain Lewis Hardcastle, who has joined Port Vale on loan, as well as Sam Hart, who has gone back on loan to Rochdale.  

The first effort on goal came courtesy of the visitors as Broadhead’s corner was headed over by captain Morgan Feeney. At the other end Rovers right-back John Buckley slalomed his way to the edge of the box before his lobbed attempt found the roof of the net.

It was Everton who looked more dangerous going forward. Evans whipped in an inviting cross for Fraser Hornby, whose header cannoned back off the upright to Harry Charsley but his low shot deflected past the post. From the resulting corner the ball fell back to Hornby, who shot narrowly wide.

Feeney then headed wide from Broadhead’s corner, but Everton would not have to wait long for the opening goal.  

The breakthrough came on 35 minutes when Evans’ low struck shot from distance found its way into the corner off the inside of the post. It could have been two soon after but Charsley couldn’t find the target from inside the box.

Everton doubled their lead just after the hour mark when Bassala Sambou used his pace to chase down a long ball and cut it back for Broadhead, whose first time finish found the bottom corner past a helpless Ollie Bryne.

Evans went in search of his second of the night to wrap up the contest but could only curl his shot over the bar following good work from Brendan Galloway to set him up.

But Evans would get his brace with two minutes to go, pouncing on a save by substitute ‘keeper Charlie Albinson to tap in from close range.

Rovers Under-23s stay bottom of the Premier League 2 Division One table, while Everton remain unbeaten.

Damien Johnson’s team face Preston next in the First Round of the Lancashire FA Senior Cup at Brockhall on Tuesday 11th September (1pm). They are back in Premier League action six days later when they welcome Arsenal to Ewood Park (7pm).

Rovers: Bryne (Albinson 83 mins), Buckley, Evans, Tomlinson, Carter, Grayson, Mols, Paton (Mansell 62 mins), Vale, Butterworth, Simmonds.

Unused subs: Thompson, Wilson, Whitehall