Everton confirmed their place at the top of Premier League 2 Division 1 after goals from Josh Bowler and Nathan Markelo gave them a 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Markelo gave Everton a 14th-minute lead after chasing down a clearance from Hugo Keto at the Amex Elite Performance Centre.
The Toffees sustained serious pressure from the home side but doubled their lead in the 85th minute when Bowler curled a stunning effort into the top corner.
Brighton did strike in stoppage time through Aaron Connolly's 12th goal of the season, but could not find an equaliser and fall to fourth with 16 points.
Everton have 21 points, four clear of Derby County, who have a match in hand.
See: Brighton report | Everton report
