Everton under-23s have won the Premier League 2 title for a second time in three years.
David Unsworth’s side headed into Monday’s penultimate game knowing that a victory over Brighton would be enough to pip their closest challengers.
The Seagulls had travelled to Goodison Park hoping to upset the odds but a first-half strike from Josh Bowler was enough to reclaim the title for the Blues.
Brighton spurned a chance late on with a missed penalty by Viktor Gyokeres as around 5,000 fans packed into Goodison to witness the memorable triumph.
Everton wrapped up their first title since the 2016/17 campaign with a game to spare ahead of their final fixture at West Ham next Monday.
“I’m so proud of this group of players and my staff as well, because they have worked so hard,” said Unsworth.
“It was a great performance tonight. At 1-0, it’s always a little bit nervy and then they get the opportunity with the penalty.
“Fortune favoured us a little bit, but I think we deserved that tonight, because we’ve been fantastic all season.
“Since the first day of pre-season, on July 1, the players have been amazing.
“We work them very, very hard – and to get over the line and achieve something like this is a great feeling.
“They are all very together as a group, they’ve got a real desire to win and they’ve just got better and better as the season has gone on.”