The Wolves Academy under 18s slipped to a single goal defeat when they faced joint League leaders Everton at Compton Park on Saturday.

But it was a performance that, according to coach John Perkins, mirrored that of the first team at Plymouth where Wolves held most of the attacking options but didn't get the reward they deserved.

He said: "I've spoken to people who were at Home Park and the game there sounded very similar to ours.

"It's easy to say 'we were unlucky' but we really were. Everton are one of the top teams in the Academy League and we outgunned them in every department.

"We were lacking in concentration a little at the start and they scored after just two minutes. But from then on there was only one team in it.

"I couldn't have been angry with the team at the end because they had played so well. The only thing we didn't do was score.

"The defeat was our fifth of the season and in each one we have only lost by a one goal margin.

"I lost count of the number of crosses that went into the Everton box and the only thing we really need to work on is the end product because the chances are being created.

"But, as I've said, it's difficult to criticise when they have played so well and I'm sure, as long as they keep working hard and sticking at it, the luck will change for the better."