ALAN STUBBS’ side were held to a goalless stalemate by Sunderland at Southport’s Merseyrail Community Stadium last night but the point was enough to clinch the Blues’ place in the end-of-season play-offs.
The draw ensured Everton topped Group One in phase 2 of the Under-21s League and they will now face the Group Two winners to determine who will join the top three clubs from the Elite Group in the semi-finals.
Tony Hibbert continued his return from injury as one of Stubbs’ overage players and the Blues can now enjoy two pressure-free fixtures remaining in their group campaign ahead of the knockout phase.