Duffy on the spot for Everton

The Toffees' Academy youngsters saw off a spirited fight by Brighon & Hove Albion to run out winners by 2-0 at the Withdean Stadium last night (Wednesday).

Neil Dewsnip's Blue's now face their third away match in a row, with a trip to Preston North End beckoning in the fifth round next month.

The Everton youngsters, who wore the purple Liverpool Unites kit, started well against Brighton, but it was a quarter of an hour until their first real chance, when Jose Baxter's shot was saved by Walker.

As the Blues applied the pressure, James Wallace hit a good strike from 25 yards, but it was deflected wide of Walker's left-hand post.

From the resulting corner, centre-back Duffy - who has featured regularly on the bench for the senior side this season - went very close to glancing a header into the far corner.

Although Everton continued to dominate Brighton came close to taking the lead when George Barker's shot grazed the Everton post.

With extra time looking a distinct possibility, Welsh under-21 international Nathan Craig saw a shot stopped by a hand and the referee awarded a penalty.

Central defender Duffy, who has won praise from David Moyes this season, coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, to send Everton on their way to the next round.

With two minutes left on the clock, Everton sealed the victory and a place in the fifth round when Forshaw tapped in.

Preston now stand in the way of Duffy and Everton winning a place in the last eight.